Rater HQ: After Dark

I took some time and reviewed the Spicer Job Aid on the VA's intranet again and I still have concerns regarding the new language that was added to the M21-1 The job aid does not discuss in any context the added language of "would not have occurred" or how it is to be interpreted which is concerning, because that means it's open for self-interpretation by raters.

Typically, when the VA adds language to the M21-1, they make sure that the meaning of something as strict as that language would be defined to prevent improper application, but no such clarification has been presented formally in the M21-1 nor on the job aid.

Why this matters to me, "would not have occurred" is a highest evidentiary standard and more closely aligns with the evidence must establish the fact without question, which is a clear and unmistakable threshold of evidence review. V.ii.1.A.1.i. Standards of Evidentiary Proof

If I were still at VA, I would be mentoring people to review the evidence in a stricter way toward secondary conditions based upon the VA's implementation of this language. It would be the safest way to proceed to reduce the likelihood of a quality error.

These are just my opinions though, you are free to believe what you want.

3 days ago | [YT] | 78

Rater HQ: After Dark

Doing a short notice live stream to get my head out of claims. Going live in 6 minutes.

5 days ago | [YT] | 17

Rater HQ: After Dark

The imagine I see when "experts" at companies who have never worked a VA claim before scream to anyone who will listen "that's not how the process works" and try to counter people who have actually processed claims before. You can have confidence and you can have your opinions on things but at the end of the day, they're just your opinion. Skill comes from actual experience. Be sure to ask those "experts" who have never been on the inside of the process how they know what they know and check their resume.

Don't be the victim of "experts" over inflating their knowledge.

They can apply at the VA like many of us if they want the knowledge and expertise. www.usajobs.gov

Rater

2 weeks ago (edited) | [YT] | 92

Rater HQ: After Dark

Hey everyone,

Here is the new address for my website.

www.rater-hq.com/

2 weeks ago | [YT] | 18

Rater HQ: After Dark

Hey all,

I'm probably going to do a short notice live stream tonight to count for my daily content. So far, we've had over 400 people and counting at the time of this post sign up for the services through Borne Accredited Claims and I wanted to take some time and thank you all for your support and probably answer your questions too.

2 weeks ago | [YT] | 86

Rater HQ: After Dark

Hello all,

Just as I feared I woke up today and I pretty much lost my voice. I made a video last night fearing this would happen, so I released that educational video this morning. As for the Veterans who were scheduled to meet with me today, I have sent each of you a reschedule appointment request and you have first priority for scheduling. I am hoping to be fine for tomorrow.

Thank you for your understanding

Rater

4 weeks ago | [YT] | 80

Rater HQ: After Dark

Well, I received my PIV card and now I'm doing death by TMS training :(

1 month ago | [YT] | 62

Rater HQ: After Dark

I'll let the community pick which video I make today to help me with my indecision.

1 month ago | [YT] | 48

Rater HQ: After Dark

Currently on a relaxing live stream with H-Town Vet Northside and The Salty Old Marine. Come check us out --> youtube.com/live/glzZCBDYDEI?si=QvnJdDLJPQweI-4e

1 month ago | [YT] | 16

Rater HQ: After Dark

Hey all. I'd like to thank everyone who signed up for the soft launch Beta test to have your claims reviewed through the accredited claims agent onboarding method that happened during my live stream 03/28/2026, and I wanted to let those that participated know what the next steps are moving forward. You will be sent an introduction email in the next few days from our accredited representative introducing themself and providing you with the documentation to sign related to the VA power of attorney and the 20% retroactive backpay VA fee agreement form. If there were any hiccups with the intake site, such as missing or inaccurate information, you will be receiving a call from TheCivDiv in the next few days to try to gather any missing information and problem solve the break down so we can resolve it before the hard launch April 20th, 2026.

Once you have returned the signed copies of the power of attorney and the intent to file there will be an approximate 7-day waiting period for the VA to process the power of attorney to allow us to be able to access VBMS for you. Once we are able to access VBMS, you will then be sent a new email to sign up for a video call appointment to go over your specific unique circumstances and strategize if doing a claim makes sense for you, your circumstances, and your evidence. Yes, we will be filing a VA disability claim on your behalf if after the interview the evidence supports us doing so and you agree to move forward. Prior to the scheduling email, please make sure in your correspondence if you have a preference between our accredited representative, TheCivDiv, or me let us know so we can test if the automation assigns the claims correctly or not.

We are Beta testing the automation of our supportive program, so please be patient and should anything fall through the cracks please communicate with us so we can hammer out all of the technological gremlins to ensure that the hard launch on April 20th goes off without a hitch.

Thank you for your patience, and I am excited to work with you in the near future,

Rater

1 month ago | [YT] | 67