Exposed Vet Productions
Exposed Vet Productions is your frontline source for real talk on veterans’ issues—straight from those who’ve lived it. Formerly known as the Exposed Vet Radioshow, we’ve expanded into a powerful platform where veterans, advocates, and experts come together to share stories, spotlight challenges, and uncover truths that others overlook. From navigating the VA system to discussing benefits, mental health, and military life after service, we bring clarity, community, and connection. Whether you're a veteran, caregiver, or ally—this is your space to get informed, get inspired, and get heard.
Episodes
41 episodes
The PACT Act Payment Crisis
Veterans are facing incorrect payment dates for PACT Act claims, with the VA Inspector General finding errors in roughly one quarter of the claims examined, resulting in $6.8 million in improper payments and shortchanging an estimated 2,300 vet...
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1:00:07
Toxic Truth: Military Exposures Unveiled
We explore the complex world of military toxic exposures and how veterans can navigate VA claims related to these exposures, with special focus on the PACT Act, asbestos, Agent Orange, and other harmful substances service members encounter....
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1:02:05
Navigating the VA Maze: Insights from the NOVA Conference
Alex Graham joins us fresh from the NOVA Conference in Minneapolis to share insights about veterans' claims and the evolving landscape of VA benefits advocacy.• VA computer systems often reject valid benefit combinations like dual aid a...
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58:24
Navigating Migraine Headaches: A Veteran's Guide
Migraine headaches require meticulous documentation for successful VA disability claims because they are purely subjective conditions with no objective tests to verify symptoms. Bethanie Spangenberg of Valor 4 Vet explains the critical componen...
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54:36
When The Mind Becomes The Battlefield
Post-traumatic stress disorder affects thousands of veterans, with approximately 35 veterans committing suicide every day due to PTSD-related issues. We explore the realities of PTSD among veterans, sharing real stories of how this mental healt...
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46:39
Navigating Peripheral Neuropathy
Bethanie Spangenberg, CEO of Valor 4 Vet and VA appeals agent, joins us to examine peripheral neuropathies and potential changes to the VA's rating system that could dramatically affect veterans' disability claims.• Peripheral Nerve Con...
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1:04:56
The Hidden Dangers of Unaccredited VA Claims Processors
We discuss Tennessee's House Bill 342 which would allow unaccredited individuals to process veterans' disability claims in exchange for up to five months of back pay. This legislation poses serious risks to veterans seeking benefits they rightf...
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44:03
The VA's Approach to ALS Shows How All Veterans Should Be Treated
We dissect the VA's approach to rating neurological conditions, revealing how ALS claims are structured to maximize benefits while other similar conditions receive less comprehensive evaluations.• Bethanie Spangenberg shares concerns ab...
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59:33
Aid and Attendance: The Overlooked Veteran Benefit
John, Ray, and Bethanie break down the complexities of the VA Aid and Attendance benefit and walks through the Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) process required to qualify for this additional compensation.• Aid and Attendance ben...
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1:01:16
Sinuses, Rhinitis, and VA Benefits: What Every Veteran Needs to Know
We dive deep into the respiratory Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) for veterans, explaining how sinusitis, rhinitis, and other conditions are evaluated for VA disability ratings.• Sinusitis ratings range from 10% to 50% depending...
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1:07:40
Ear Conditions Explained: The DBQ Deep Dive
Bethanie Spangenberg explains the VA's Ear Conditions Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ) and breaks down how veterans can approach ear-related disability claims beyond hearing loss and tinnitus.• The ear has three parts: external (...
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1:01:06
Understanding Your Endocrine System: A Deep Dive into Thyroid and Parathyroid Health
The endocrine system functions as a complex network of glands that regulate hormones controlling everything from metabolism and growth to immunity and reproduction. Our expert breaks down how thyroid and parathyroid conditions develop, progress...
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1:00:13
Navigating the New GERD Rating System
The VA has implemented major changes to GERD disability ratings, creating new hurdles for veterans seeking compensation while facing a $2.8 billion budget shortfall.• As of May 19, 2024, GERD has its own diagnostic code (7206) and is no...
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59:05
Diabetic Autonomic Neuropathy: The Silent Complication
Diabetic Autonomic Neuropathy affects up to 50% of long-term diabetics yet remains largely undiagnosed and misunderstood. Bethanie Spangenberg explains how this condition impacts the body's involuntary functions including heart rate, digestion,...
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1:01:12
Skin Deep: Navigating DBQs and VA Disability Ratings for Veterans
Veterans navigating the VA disability system for skin conditions need to understand the intricacies of how these conditions are rated and documented to maximize their benefits.• DBQ Discussion• Eight key characteristics of skin d...
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1:08:35
When Medical Evidence Makes All the Difference in VA Disability Claims
Bethanie Spangenberg from Valor 4 Vet joins Ray and James to discuss C&P exams, stateside Agent Orange exposure claims, and strategies for successful VA disability claims.• VA tends to order C&P exams more frequently than necess...
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1:00:33
Navigating VA Disability Claims for Blood Vessel Conditions
Vascular health expert Bethanie Spangenberg breaks down the VA's Artery and Vein Conditions DBQ, explaining how veterans can successfully navigate disability claims for blood vessel conditions. This comprehensive guide identifies what the VA lo...
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1:01:04
The Heart of the Matter: Understanding DBQs for Heart Disease
Bethanie from Valor 4 Vet joins us to break down the heart conditions DBQ and explain how veterans can prepare for their VA exams to maximize their chances of a fair rating.• Heart conditions DBQs now focus on METs testing rather than e...
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1:08:27
Navigating VA Hypertension Claims
Bethanie Spangenberg from Valor 4 Vet breaks down VA's Disability Benefits Questionnaires (DBQs) for hypertension and explains the disconnect between medical practice and VA disability rating requirements.• Understanding the legal defin...
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1:01:32
Veterans, Diagnosis, and VA Claims: What You Need to Know
Bethanie Spangenberg joins the Exposed Vet Podcast to discuss the critical importance of having a proper diagnosis before filing VA disability claims. Veterans pursuing benefits under the PACT Act often overlook this fundamental requirement, re...
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1:01:30
The Hidden Medical Link Between Service-Connected Injuries and Weight Gain
Obesity can be a pathway to service connection for veterans, though the VA doesn't recognize it as a disease but rather as an intermediate step to other conditions.• Host John and co-host Ray Cobb welcome Bethanie Spangenberg from Valor...
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59:45
Serving Those Who Served: Operation Stand Down Rhode Island
Operation Stand Down Rhode Island provides comprehensive support to homeless and at-risk veterans through housing assistance, employment services, and legal aid. Since 2018, their legal team has raised over $4.6 million in retroactive benefits ...
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59:36
Navigating Employment with Service-Connected Disabilities
We explore the complex challenges disabled veterans face when navigating employment while managing service-connected disabilities, focusing on workplace accommodations, pre-employment physicals, and worker's compensation claims.• The di...
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59:16
Veterans Exposed: Understanding PACT Act Toxic Exposures
Bethanie Spangenberg joins the Exposed Vet Podcast to discuss toxic exposure issues related to the PACT Act and strategies for veterans to secure benefits before crucial deadlines expire. The conversation reveals that military toxic exposures e...
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1:00:35
Understanding Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and Your VA Benefits
Bethanie Spangenberg, PA joins us to discuss Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and its significant impact on veterans seeking disability benefits through the VA.• GERD occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus causing ...
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59:28