The Present: Active Duty Service Members and Transitional Support for Service Members
At Team SSGT NICHOLS, we are dedicated to providing exceptional transition support for service members as they move from military to civilian life. Our mission is clear: to ensure you are thoroughly prepared for what comes next, whether you’re embarking on a new career path or pursuing further education.
Since leaving the Marine Corps in 2007, SSgt Nichols has identified three essential pillars that service members need during their transition:
- VA Disability & Compensation – Upon leaving active duty, service members have the opportunity to file for VA Disability & Compensation for any disabilities sustained during their service. This is a crucial step in securing the benefits you’ve earned.
- A Career Path – It’s vital for service members to translate their military experience into a career they’re passionate about, allowing them to continue making a positive impact in their local communities.
- Community Support – Finding your new tribe is key to a successful transition. Whether it’s through a church, fitness community, or veteran organizations, connecting with others ensures you have a strong support system to lean on during challenging times.
How We Help:
At Team SSGT NICHOLS, we work with active-duty service members in two key ways:
- VA Disability Education – We educate service members through the process of filing their VA Disability & Compensation claims, ensuring they receive the benefits they deserve.
- SkillBridge Program Consulting – Through Nichols & Associates Consulting, we partner with companies to help them establish, stabilize, and launch DoD-approved SkillBridge Internship Training Programs to help more service members. These programs offer service members up to 180 days of practical civilian work experience before their service concludes, bridging the gap between military and civilian careers.
Disclosure: Businesses can apply directly to establish a SkillBridge program through the Department of Defense website. However, the benefit of partnering with Nichols & Associates Consulting is that we handle the entire process for you, ensuring all steps are followed and adhered to. Additionally, we work closely with your team to create a tailored curriculum that maximizes the impact of the program, providing a smooth experience for both your company and transitioning service members.
The Ultimate Exit Guide: 10 Things You Need to Know Before Getting Out of the Military
Leaving the military involves a multitude of considerations, and our ebook, “Top 10 Things You Need to Know Before Getting Out of the Military,” serves as your essential toolkit. Gain insights into financial planning, effective job search strategies, unlocking VA benefits, and more to ensure a smooth transition, just as your service was valiant. Please provide the following information to get your free ebook today:
SkillBridge Program Consulting
At Nichols & Associates Consulting, we partner with companies committed to supporting service members by helping them establish, stabilize, and launch successful SkillBridge Internship Training Programs. Authorized by the Department of Defense (DoD), this program offers service members up to 180 days of practical civilian work experience before their service concludes. Our consulting expertise ensures that companies can seamlessly integrate this initiative, creating valuable opportunities for both transitioning service members and the civilian workforce.
VA Disability and Compensation: How does it work?
The VA Disability and Compensation program exists to provide financial assistance to veterans impaired by disabilities connected to their service. The existence of this program is a recognition of the sacrifices made by service members and a commitment to ensuring they receive appropriate support for disabilities linked to their service.
According to the 2023 VA Annual Benefits Report, there were 5.6 million veterans receiving compensation for service-connected disabilities, yet millions remain unassisted due to unfiled claims.
The process to receive these benefits includes several steps:
- File a Claim – Veterans can initiate a claim for service connection with the VA.
- Get Evaluated – If exams are warranted, the VA will request them to evaluate the disability(ies).
- Receive Compensation – If it can be service connected, you will receive a rating decision and compensation tied to that disability(ies).
There are many contributing factors that go into filing your VA Disability & Compensation Claim and everyone has a different level of understanding. You have several options when it comes to filing your VA claim: you can go at it alone, enlist the help of a Veterans Service Organization (VSO), or rely on Team SSGT NICHOLS to provide resources and guidance through the VA’s complex medical and legal process.
While we offer valuable educational resources to assist you, we are no affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The information presented is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical or legal advice. For specific guidance, please refer to official VA resources or seek qualified legal assistance.
We are here to help if/when you need us!
Discover the Top 10 Service-Connected Disabilities
Download our free eBook to explore the Top 10 Service-Connected Disabilities and access a comprehensive VA Disability & Compensation Report. Simply provide your details below for instant access. Note: This eBook is for informational purposes only and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
VA DISABILITY - 580+ Reasons to File Your VA Claim for Service Connection
Did you know that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recognizes over 580+ disabilities across 15 Body Systems, each with its own unique diagnostic code? According to the 38 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), these conditions can potentially be service-connected, which may entitle you to benefits and compensation. However, all final decisions regarding service connection and benefits are made solely by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
This eBook is your essential guide to understanding the 580+ reasons to file your VA claim, presented in an easy-to-follow format that demystifies the comprehensive VA Disability and Compensation process. With insights based on 10 years of experience, it provides the tools you need to navigate this complex medical and legal decision-making process confidently. Whether you choose to manage it independently, lean on a Veteran Service Organization, or leverage resources like this guide, you’ll be better equipped to explore your eligibility and obtain the benefits you deserve.
Note: This eBook is for informational purposes only and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). All final decisions regarding benefits are made solely by the VA.
For more information on this comprehensive process, you can refer to the following:
M21-1, Adjudication Procedures Manual
To bypass the learning curve and take control of your VA Disability and Compensation claim, pick up your copy of this eBook today. Gain the insight, tools, and confidence you need to navigate the process and secure the benefits you deserve.
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Our Commitment to You
More than just preparing for a transition, we aim to assist you in redefining your future with confidence. Through detailed preparatory resources and fostering impactful connections via the SkillBridge program, we aim to support service members and empower the companies eager to welcome them into the civilian workforce.