This is a collection of 13 videos from our 2021 Fall Conference held September 30 - October 2, 2021. Please find descriptions of the videos included below.

Case Study
Presenters: Katrina Eagle, Esq & Jim Radogna, Accredited Agent
Running Time: 55 Minutes
Katrina and Jim examine the full cycle of a case to provide insights and observations about the course of the case and what might have been done differently

CAVC Federal Circuit Caselaw Update
Presenter: Barbara Cook, Esq.
Running Time: 1 hour and 7 minutes
Barb will review cases decided by the CAVC and Federal Circuit and discuss how you can use them more effectively to represent your clients.
*Please note due to an error with an SD card the last five minutes of this presentation are unavailable.

Earlier Effective Date Buffet
Presenter: Tamesha Larbi, Esq.
Running Time: 1 Hour, 15 minutes.
Ensuring the correct effective date is critical every time benefits are awarded, especially for veterans who have had years of unsuccessful claims and appeals. There are a range of options throughout the veterans benefits regulations for establishing the effective date as well as obtaining earlier effective dates. In this session, Tamesha will explore effective date regulations and illustrate fact scenarios that trigger each, as well as differentiate the applicability of each of the provisions under the AMA vs.the legacy appeal system.


Ethics – Common Issues Arising Under Federal and ABA Standards
Presenter: Travis James West, Esq.
Running Time: 1 Hour

Evidence Development to Counter Negative VA Exams
Presenter: Timothy Franklin, Esq.
Running Time: 1 Hour
With VA’s increased reliance on contract examiners and the backlog created by the COVID-19 pandemic, it has never been more important to scrutinize every VA examination. Tim and Megan will explain how to analyze a VA examination and develop evidence to counter negative examinations.


How to Successfully Argue 38 CFR 3.156(c)
Presenter: Kenneth Carpenter, Esq.
Running Time: 1 Hour 7 Minutes
When argued properly, 3.156(c) is a powerful tool to ensure your client receives the earliest possibly effective date. Ken will discuss the regulation, how to apply and argue it, and recent cases that might impact its implementation.

Maintaining Solid Client Relationships
Presenter: Scott McClune, Esq.
Running Time: 1 Hour
When argued properly, 3.156(c) is a powerful tool to ensure your client receives the earliest possibly effective date. Ken will discuss the regulation, how to apply and argue it, and recent cases that might impact its implementation.

Maximizing Secondary Service Connection
Presenter: John Niles, Esq.
Running Time: 38 Minutes
This session is designed to help you think creatively about linking conditions to achieve maximal service-connected compensation for your client. John will address 38 C.F.R. § 3.310’s various iterations, discuss how to support secondary service-connection claims, cover relevant decisions, and offer examples and resources.

MST Claims and Appeals
Presenter: Samantha Kubek, Esq. & Olivia Cole, Esq.
Running Time: 1 Hour 7 Minutes
VA has long struggled with properly adjudicating military sexual trauma (MST) claims and appeals and recently announced consolidation of adjudication in a few ROs. Join Samantha as she covers what constitutes MST; how to counsel clients in a manner that does not retraumatize them; what development is needed; relevant statutes, regulations, and cases; and how to prevail on behalf of your client.

Overview of VA Caregivers Program
Presenter: Kent Eiler, Esq. & Amanda Pertusati, Esq.
Running Time: 45 Minutes
VA provides important benefits to caregivers through its Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers and Congress recently passed legislation to expand these benefits. Amanda and Kent will discuss the latest requirements for qualifying, how to assist a client who is denied benefits or is cut from the program, and the CAVC’s recent decision in the Beaudette case.

Using ILER and Other Tools to Support Toxic Exposure Cases
Presenter: Anita Ritchie, Esq.
Running Time: 50 Minutes
ILER is a web-based tool used by VA and DoD to link an individual service member to exposures. Anita will discuss how ILER works and how it can be used to help your clients, as well as address other useful development tools.

How Has My Practice Changed in the AMA
Presenter: Allison Reddick, Esq., Heather Vanhoose, Esq., & Doug Jackson, Esq.
Moderator: James March, Esq.
Running Time: 1 Hour
This panel of experienced practitioners describes how the AMA has impacted their practice and share their tips for navigating in the AMA as it becomes the primary system for deciding claims and appeals.

Navigating the Supplemental Claim Lane
Presenter: Michael Lostritto, Esq.
Running Time: 1 Hour 12 Minutes
Under the AMA, supplemental claims are intended as the vehicle for adding “new and relevant evidence” after a VA, BVA, or CAVC decision has been denied. Michael will walk you through the supplemental claim, including what constitutes “new and relevant evidence,” when and how to file supplemental claims, and some of the common pitfalls observed thus far.