VA Claims & Financial Stability After Service | Wounded Warrior Project Breakdown

About this episode

The episode discusses VA disability claims and financial stability challenges faced by veterans during their transition from military service.

Description: Ashish Bajaj and Michael Lorey join the VET S.O.S. Network to dive into two of the most pressing challenges veterans face during transition: VA disability claims and financial stability . In this episode, we explore: • The step-by-step VA claims process and how case management works• The 3 required elements every successful claim must include• How to avoid predatory claims companies• Why financial stress peaks during transition (and how to manage it)• Practical budgeting tools veterans can use immediately• State-level benefits that can supplement income Michael shares his personal transition story and discusses the reality that it can take 4–7 years for many veterans to fully stabilize financially after leaving the military. Ashish explains how money stress connects to mental health — and how veterans can regain control through practical, manageable steps. Whether you're navigating military transition, filing your first VA claim, or trying to build financial security after service, this episode gives you clear, actionable guidance you can use today. About the Guests: Ashish Bajaj is a Financial Educator with Wounded Warrior Project, specializing in financial coaching…

People in this episode

Hosts: Shawn Welsh, Keith Cassant, Eric Brew, Mark Elder, Hira Paulin, Kingsley Scott

Guests: Ashish Bajaj, Michael Lorey

Topics covered

• VA disability claims
• financial stability
• veteran transition
• budgeting tools
• mental health
• state-level benefits

Keywords

• VA claims process
• financial stress
• budgeting tools
• predatory claims companies
• veteran benefits
• mental health

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Wounded Warrior Project

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• Aleks Morosky on Veteran Advocacy, the PACT Act & Grassroots Leadership · May 30, 2026 · 33 min
• Veteran Health, Purpose, and Sustainable Fitness After Service | Joey Carzoli · May 29, 2026 · 37 min
• How the Warrior Care Network Transforms Veteran Mental Health | Fitha Dahana-Ellis · May 27, 2026 · 29 min
• Wounded Warrior Project’s Mental Health Lifeline | Triage, Check-In & Veteran Care · May 26, 2026 · 28 min