This is a collection of 10 presentations from our 2024 Fall Conference held September 12-14, 2024. Please find descriptions of the videos included below.

Recent Court Cases and How to Use Them - Parts 1 & 2
Presenters: Amy Kretkowski, Esq. and Amy Odom, Esq.
Running Time: 45 mins & 45 mins
Amy and Amy review cases decided by the CAVC and Federal Circuit and discuss how you can use them more effectively to represent your clients.

Toxic Exposure Related Activity (TERA): Handling Claims and Exam Requests Implicating TERAs
Presenter: Andrew Tangen, Esq.
Running Time: 52 mins
TERA has created a unique opportunity for advocates and the veterans they serve. It has opened new doors to benefits not previously available to many veterans. There have, however, been problems with implementation of TERA. This presentation discusses the current landscape and address the issues associated with TERA.

Understanding, Using, and Disputing Implicit Denials
Presenter: Stacey Clark, Esq.
Running Time: 60 mins
This presentation explains the distinction between a claim that has been implicitly denied v. a claim that was reasonably raised and remains unadjudicated.

Practicing Before the United States Supreme Court
Presenter: Kenneth Carpenter, Esq.
Running Time: 64 mins

DoD Discharge Upgrades & VA Character of Discharge Determination
Presenter: Dana Montalto, Esq.
Running Time: 60 mins
Learn how to effectively advocate for veterans who receive less-than-honorable discharges in seeking an upgrade from the military review boards or in seeking a favorable eligibility determination from VA.

Navigating VA Forms: Are You Using the Right One?
Presenters: Lori Underwood, Esq., and Cecilia Ton, Esq.
Running Time: 60 mins
The presenters discuss the importance of the use of proper forms in the AMA and how to address potential hiccups you may experience along the way.

Advanced TDIU: Keys to Winning and Avoiding Pitfalls
Presenter: John Tucker, Esq.
Running Time: 62 mins
Getting VA to understand why a veteran cannot work can be challenging and hard-fought. This presentation addresses advanced tactics practitioners can employ to address issues raised by new case law and win these cases for clients.

Duran v. McDonough and the Future of Degenerative Conditions
Presenters: Stephani Bennett, Esq., and Montana Crow, Esq.
Running Time: 60 mins
Duran solidified the purpose of a minimum rating in progressive diseases. The presenters provide a history of the case before analyzing what Duran means for the future of central nervous system degenerative conditions and beyond.

C&P Exams in the Age of Contractors
Presenters: Richard Rousseau, Esq., and Andrew Gross, Esq.
Running Time: 60 mins
The presentation will discuss how to manage requests and challenge unnecessary exams and incompetent examiners.

ETHICS: Advocating for Advocates: Ethical Dimensions of Mental Health in VA Disability Practice
Presenter: Aaron Drake, Esq.,
Running Time: 60 mins
This presentation delves into the ethical considerations that attorneys must navigate when addressing their own mental wellbeing while advocating for veterans. By shedding light on these issues, it aims to foster a culture of support and understanding among the advocates within our niche community.