• VA Apportionment Rule Change (2026): Who Is Affected + What To Do S6 E9
    Feb 6 2026

    VA just changed the rules around apportionment—the process where part of a Veteran’s VA benefits may be paid directly to a dependent in certain situations—and this 2026 update could impact families who were planning to file a new request. In this video, Kenneth breaks down what apportionment is in plain English, what changed, who’s most affected, and which exceptions may still apply, so you can avoid wasting months going down the wrong path. If you’re a Veteran paying support, a spouse/ex dealing with child support questions, or a caregiver helping a loved one navigate benefits, this is the clarity you need. Disclaimer: This video is for educational purposes and not legal advice. For situation-specific guidance, consult a qualified professional and review your official VA correspondence. ✅ Download the 2026 VA Benefits Pay Chart: https://www.vets4vetsinfo.com/offers/ZfQvjLys

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    35 mins
  • 3 Things VA Raters Need to Approve Your Disability Compensation Claim
    Jan 27 2026

    In this episode, we break down the three key things VA raters look for to approve a disability compensation claim—and why so many veterans get denied even when they have a diagnosis. We’ll walk through what “good evidence” actually means from a rater’s perspective, how service connection is established, and the common gaps we see that delay or derail claims. You’ll also learn how to strengthen your file with the right medical documentation, how to think about nexus language and DBQs, and what to do next if you’ve already been denied. If you want help mapping your best next step and avoiding unnecessary denials, visit vets4vetsinfo.com/help.

    ✅ Download the 2026 VA Benefits Pay Chart: https://www.vets4vetsinfo.com/offers/...

    Join the Veteran Community: https://www.vets4vetsinfo.com/offers/...

    🎖️🔗 Schedule A Call: https://www.vets4vetsinfo.com/help

    🛑 Please note: We pride ourselves on providing reliable and accurate information. However, all information given in these videos is educational and should serve as a starting point in your individual research journey. We highly recommend contacting trusted experts for individual consultations regarding topics covered in our content. Remember, knowledge is power!

    🧠💪➡️ DISCLAIMER: ALL INFORMATION IS RELIABLE BUT NOT GUARANTEED. Always do your own due diligence!

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    15 mins
  • 100% P&T Benefits S6 E7
    Jan 5 2026

    100% P&T is more than a monthly check—it can unlock major cost-saving benefits that many Veterans miss. In this episode, we break down the real-world value of 100% P&T, including healthcare that can replace a “second mortgage,” property tax relief that creates long-term savings, vehicle perks like registration benefits, and a powerful homebuying advantage through the VA loan funding fee waiver (plus the “income boost” that can help qualifying Veterans). If you’re rated—or working toward a rating—this is the roadmap to benefits that can change your bottom line.

    Chapters:

    00:00:00 Intro

    00:03:00 100% P&T isn’t just money

    00:06:00 VA Healthcare Benefits: What 100% Service-Connected Veterans Get

    00:11:00 Property Tax Exemptions: The Lifetime Savings Many Disabled Veterans Miss

    00:15:00 Disabled Veteran Vehicle Benefits: Registration, Plates, and More

    00:19:00 VA Loan Advantage for 100% P&T: Funding Fee Waiver + Stronger Buying Power

    ✅ Download the 2026 VA Benefits Pay Chart: https://www.vets4vetsinfo.com/offers/ZfQvjLys

    Join the Veteran Community: https://www.vets4vetsinfo.com/offers/kVcTNJtX/checkout

    🎖️🔗 Schedule A Call: https://www.vets4vetsinfo.com/help

    🛑 Please note: We pride ourselves on providing reliable and accurate information. However, all information given in these videos is educational and should serve as a starting point in your individual research journey. We highly recommend contacting trusted experts for individual consultations regarding topics covered in our content. Remember, knowledge is power!

    🧠💪➡️ DISCLAIMER: ALL INFORMATION IS RELIABLE BUT NOT GUARANTEED. Always do your own due diligence!

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    24 mins
  • Is a 50-Year Mortgage a Trap or a Tool? S6 E6
    Dec 22 2025

    50 year mortgage, 50-year mortgage, long term mortgage, ultra long mortgage, VA loan, VA home loan, veteran homeownership, veterans for veterans, Prepare to Compete, Kavon Jones, Kenneth Davis, housing affordability, rent vs buy, real estate 2025, Nevada real estate, military home buying, active duty homeownership, VA loan tips, home buying strategy, real estate investing

    Chapters:

    00:00 – Is a 50-Year Mortgage a Trap or a Tool? (Hook)

    02:42 – Why Housing Feels Broken: Prices, Wages & Rent vs Buy

    04:14 – From 15 to 30 to 40–50 Years: How Longer Mortgages Change the Payment

    07:52 – VA Loans & Local Markets: What a 50-Year Term Could Mean for Veterans

    13:17 – Investors, Supply, Appreciation & Who Really Wins

    22:54 – Debt, Lifestyle & AI: The Bigger Economic Problem Behind 50-Year Loans

    30:58 – Buying Earlier vs Never Buying: Rethinking the American Dream

    41:25 – Action Plan: How Active Duty & Veterans Can Position Themselves to Own

    ✅ Download the 2026 VA Benefits Pay Chart: https://www.vets4vetsinfo.com/offers/ZfQvjLys

    Join the Veteran Community: https://www.vets4vetsinfo.com/offers/kVcTNJtX/checkout

    🎖️🔗 Schedule A Call: https://www.vets4vetsinfo.com/help

    🛑 Please note: We pride ourselves on providing reliable and accurate information. However, all information given in these videos is educational and should serve as a starting point in your individual research journey. We highly recommend contacting trusted experts for individual consultations regarding topics covered in our content. Remember, knowledge is power!

    🧠💪➡️ DISCLAIMER: ALL INFORMATION IS RELIABLE BUT NOT GUARANTEED. Always do your own due diligence!

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    51 mins
  • VA COLA Increase 2026: What This Year’s 2.8% Raise Really Means for Veterans S6 E5
    Nov 10 2025

    The 2026 VA COLA (Cost-of-Living Adjustment) is official — and that means a 2.8% increase in monthly compensation for veterans receiving VA disability, DIC, or pension benefits.

    In this video, the Prepare to Compete team breaks down exactly what this raise means for veterans at 50% and 100% service connection, when you’ll see it reflected in your pay, and whether it’s enough to keep up with inflation.

    You’ll also hear practical advice on how to stay financially strong in 2026 — from budgeting tips and benefit updates to strategies every veteran should know to make the most of their increase.

    ✅ Download the Veteran Success Blueprint ebooks at vets4vetsinfo.com for resources to navigate VA claims and maximize your benefits.

    Join the Veteran Community for Free: https://www.vets4vetsinfo.com/offers/Z97W2vqP/checkout?coupon_code=VET2024

    🎖️🔗 For VA More Information: https://www.vets4vetsinfo.com/Help

    00:00 — COLA 2026: What Changes & Who It Affects

    01:00 — Why This Matters Now (context & veteran impact)

    02:15 — What COLA Is & How VA Uses SSA’s Rate

    05:00 — Real Dollars: 2.8% Examples at 50% vs 100% (no dependents)

    07:00 — Is 2.8% Enough? Inflation Reality & Smart Money Tips

    10:20 — When You’ll See It + Retro/Eff. Dates: How Back Pay Calculates

    14:20 — Action Checklist: Direct Deposit, Dependents, VA.gov/ID.me Logins

    17:10 — Bottom Line & How to Get Help (claims, appeals, planning)

    🛑 Please note: We pride ourselves on providing reliable and accurate information. However, all information given in these videos is educational and should serve as a starting point in your individual research journey. We highly recommend contacting trusted experts for individual consultations regarding topics covered in our content. Remember, knowledge is power!

    🧠💪➡️ DISCLAIMER: ALL INFORMATION IS RELIABLE BUT NOT GUARANTEED. Always do your own due diligence!

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    18 mins
  • Not All Battles End Overseas: A Vietnam Marine’s Truth
    Nov 6 2025

    🎖️ Charles Cook was 18 when he joined the Marine Corps, served during the Vietnam War, and came home thinking he’d be welcomed.

    Instead, he found himself caught between two Americas — one that sent him to war, and another that turned its back when he returned.

    In this powerful conversation, Mr. Cook opens up about his service, segregation, brotherhood, mental health, addiction, healing through faith, and his fight for the next generation of Black youth.

    This is not just a war story. This is a story of what happens after the uniform comes off.

    🔔 Subscribe to hear more untold stories from veterans.

    💬 Leave a comment to honor Mr. Cook and other heroes like him.

    ✅ Download the Veteran Success Blueprint ebooks at vets4vetsinfo.com for resources to navigate VA claims and maximize your benefits.

    Join the Veteran Community for Free: https://www.vets4vetsinfo.com/offers/...

    🎖️🔗 For VA More Information: https://www.vets4vetsinfo.com/Help

    🛑 Please note: We pride ourselves on providing reliable and accurate information. However, all information given in these videos is educational and should serve as a starting point in your individual research journey. We highly recommend contacting trusted experts for individual consultations regarding topics covered in our content. Remember, knowledge is power!

    🧠💪➡️ DISCLAIMER: ALL INFORMATION IS RELIABLE BUT NOT GUARANTEED. Always do your own due diligence!

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    1 hr and 33 mins
  • Government Shutdown 2025: VA Backlog, Furloughs & Skeleton Crews — What to Do? S6 E4
    Oct 29 2025

    In this video, we break down what the 2025 government shutdown really means for veterans: how VA furloughs and skeleton crews slow service, why the backlog grows, and—most importantly—what you can do right now to protect your benefits and keep your claim moving. You’ll learn how to prioritize time-sensitive steps (responding to VA letters, evidence requests, C&P scheduling), how to track your status on VA.gov and with your VSO, when to consider a Higher-Level Review or Supplemental Claim, and how to avoid common delays (missing forms, outdated contact info, incomplete medical evidence). We also cover direct deposit checks, healthcare access, and smart documentation habits so you’re ready when operations normalize. If you’re a veteran navigating claims or appeals during the shutdown, this is your clear, no-nonsense guide—watch through, take notes, and share with someone who needs it. Subscribe for more veteran-focused tips and updates from Prepare to Compete.

    00:00 – VA Shutdown 2025: What to Do

    01:00 – What’s Impacted vs Still Running

    04:00 – Furloughs & Skeleton Crews

    05:00 – Backlog Now (130–140k): Why It Matters

    10:00 – Real Timeline: 6–12 Months

    12:00 – Keep Your Claim Moving (Checklist)

    16:00 – Pre-Separation Planning (Money, Exams)

    22:00 – Next Steps & Resources

    ✅ Download the Veteran Success Blueprint ebooks at vets4vetsinfo.com for resources to navigate VA claims and maximize your benefits.

    Join the Veteran Community for Free: https://www.vets4vetsinfo.com/offers/Z97W2vqP/checkout?coupon_code=VET2024

    🎖️🔗 For VA More Information: https://www.vets4vetsinfo.com/Help

    🛑 Please note: We pride ourselves on providing reliable and accurate information. However, all information given in these videos is educational and should serve as a starting point in your individual research journey. We highly recommend contacting trusted experts for individual consultations regarding topics covered in our content. Remember, knowledge is power! 🧠💪➡️

    DISCLAIMER: ALL INFORMATION IS RELIABLE BUT NOT GUARANTEED. Always do your own due diligence!

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    25 mins
  • Retiring from the Navy After 20 Years – Here’s What He Learned
    Oct 2 2025
    After 20 years of service, countless deployments, and a brotherhood forged at sea — Senior Chief Hicks is finally retiring from the U.S. Navy. In this exclusive conversation, we reflect on his journey from bootcamp to leadership, the lessons he learned, and the sacrifices he made along the way. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s really like to serve, lead, and transition out of the military — this episode of Veterans Voices is for you. ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 – From Bootcamp to Brotherhood 01:17 – Why Randy Joined the Navy 04:38 – Lessons from the Early Days 07:39 – Growing Through Leadership 11:03 – “We Were Still Just Kids” 1 4:47 – Becoming a Great LCPO 18:09 – Mentors Who Changed Everything 21:05 – Life on the Flight Deck 24:28 – The Reality of Deployment 28:13 – What Civilians Don’t Understand 30:49 – Staying Grounded Through Family 33:33 – Promotions, Politics & Pressure 38:10 – Planning for Retirement 42:40 – The Navy’s Impact on His Life 47:20 – Looking Back After 20 Years 52:10 – Advice for Young Sailors 57:15 – What He’d Do Differently 1:02:40 – Facing Retirement with Purpose 1:09:15 – Final Reflections & Legacy ✅ Download the Veteran Success Blueprint ebooks at vets4vetsinfo.com for resources to navigate VA claims and maximize your benefits. Join the Veteran Community for Free: https://www.vets4vetsinfo.com/offers/... 🎖️🔗 For VA More Information: https://www.vets4vetsinfo.com/Help 🛑 Please note: We pride ourselves on providing reliable and accurate information. However, all information given in these videos is educational and should serve as a starting point in your individual research journey. We highly recommend contacting trusted experts for individual consultations regarding topics covered in our content. Remember, knowledge is power! 🧠💪➡️ DISCLAIMER: ALL INFORMATION IS RELIABLE BUT NOT GUARANTEED. Always do your own due diligence!
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    1 hr and 22 mins