All Episodes
Episodes
VA Claims in 2026: Retro Pay, Nexus Letters, Buddy Statements & AI (The 4 Things That Matter) S7 E1
Filing a VA claim in 2026 comes down to a few evidence and process decisions that consistently determine outcomes. In this full episode, we break down the four areas that matter most right now: how retroactive pay...
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VA Apportionment Rule Change (2026): Who Is Affected + What To Do S6 E9
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...
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3 Things VA Raters Need to Approve Your Disability Compensation Claim S6 E8
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...
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100% P&T Benefits S6 E7
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...
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Is a 50-Year Mortgage a Trap or a Tool? S6 E6
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,...
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VA COLA Increase 2026: What This Year’s 2.8% Raise Really Means for Veterans S6 E5
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...
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Not All Battles End Overseas: A Vietnam Marine’s Truth
🎖️ 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...
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Government Shutdown 2025: VA Backlog, Furloughs & Skeleton Crews — What to Do? S6 E4
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...
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VA Appeals Made Easy: Supplemental vs. Higher-Level Review vs. BVA (Pick the Right Path)
Are you confused or frustrated after a VA claim denial? You’re not alone — and in this video, we make the VA appeals process simple and clear. We break down the three main paths available to veterans: the Supplemental...
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Retiring from the Navy After 20 Years – Here’s What He Learned
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...
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Stop Waiting for Interest Rates to Drop—Do THIS Instead! | PTC S6 E2
Are rising interest rates holding you back from buying a home with your VA loan? You’re not alone. In this episode of Prepare to Compete, we break down smart, actionable strategies for veterans and active-duty service...
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New VA Rules Could Cost Veterans Their Homes, Care, and Compensation: S6 E1
Big changes are hitting the VA system in 2025—and they could have serious consequences for veterans across the country. In this episode of Prepare to Compete, we break down new federal policies that could affect...
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