Recent Blog Posts
Can You Qualify for Disability Due to an Anxiety Disorder?
Many Washington State residents suffer from an anxiety disorder. According to the Mayo Clinic, an anxiety disorder is when someone has “intensive, excessive and persistent worry and fear about everyday situations.” While everyone experiences some level of anxiety in their daily life, an anxiety disorder can, in severe cases, make it impossible for a… Read More »
How Can I Seek Review of the VA’s Decision Denying My Claim for Service-Connected Compensation?
When you file a claim for VA disability compensation, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will review your application and any supporting evidence before sending you a Rating Decision. Ideally, this Rating Decision will confirm that you are eligible for Service-Connected Compensation benefits and explain how much you can expect to receive each month… Read More »
The Role of Contributory Fault in Your Washington Personal Injury Case
When you file a personal injury lawsuit against someone, you must prove that person was negligent in some way. Negligence is when a person (or legal entity) breaches a legal duty owed to another person. For example, if you drive a car, you have a legal duty to obey Washington traffic laws and operate… Read More »
How Does Social Security Evaluate Mental Health in a Disability Case?
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) covers both physical and mental impairments that prevent a person from working full-time. Mental impairments include conditions such as major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Regular mental health treatment is an essential component to establishing disability with the Social Security Administration (SSA). In addition… Read More »
How Do I Know If I’m Eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits?
Many Washington residents are unable to work due to a physical or mental disability. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) can provide monthly benefits for such individuals. But the eligibility requirements for SSDI are quite strict and are often confusing for first-time applicants. Below are some of the more common questions Gustad Law Group receives… Read More »
NPR Investigation Reveals Potentially Illegal Debt Collection Against Veterans
NPR recently revealed some findings of an investigation into a company, Trajector Medical, and their potential illegal charging of fees for assisting veterans with getting VA disability benefits. The story goes into quite a bit of detail for a number of veterans experiences and their unexpected bills at the end of a process that… Read More »
VFW Responds to Washington Post Article
In October 2025, the Washington Post published an article titled “How some veterans exploit $193 billion VA program, due to lax controls”. While portraying the VA system and its users as a haphazard and lightly regulated system, it prompted a stern reply from the VFW. VFW Commander-in-Chief Carol Whitmore wrote the following article to… Read More »
Somatic Symptom Disorder Resulting from Service-Connected Disabilities
When people think about Veterans with mental health disorders, they typically consider posttraumatic stress disorder or PTSD. PTSD became better known after the Vietnam War and was recognized as a diagnosed condition by the American Psychiatric Association beginning in 1980. Prior to 1980, the condition was commonly referred to as “shell shock.” The diagnosis… Read More »
Administrative Changes Affecting the Social Security Disability Programs
What It Means for Disability Claimants At Gustad Law Group, we understand how significant Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits are to those who rely on them. Recent changes within the Social Security Administration (SSA) have raised concerns for claimants, especially those waiting for decisions on disability benefits. Reports indicate that two top SSA… Read More »
The Unprecedented Impact of the Current Employee Workforce Reduction on the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
The impact of the current governmental changes on the VA is a topic that is argued on the floors of Congress daily. Recent actions and proposed changes have sparked significant concern and controversy, particularly regarding workforce reductions and potential alterations to Veterans’ healthcare. Without resorting to hyperbole, Veterans are currently experiencing unprecedented times. Workforce… Read More »