In crisis? Veterans Crisis Line:call or text 988, then press 1

Skip to content
Back to all episodes
Artwork for Veteran Community: Sharing Knowledge & Boosting Each Other With Rater HQ After Dark

Published May 5, 2026 · 1:13:09

Veteran Community: Sharing Knowledge & Boosting Each Other With Rater HQ After Dark

Watch on YouTube
  • Transition to civilian life
  • Benefits and VA process
  • Service stories
  • Community and nonprofits

Show notes

In this episode of Helping The Brave, Ed Parcaut sits down with RaterHQ: After Dark, a former VA rater and Army veteran, for an honest conversation about how the VA claims process really works.

They discuss the rise of online information around veteran disability claims, the problem of misinformation, and why veterans need better guidance when it comes to DBQs, nexus letters, secondary conditions, and evidence. RaterHQ shares how her channel began as a way to educate VSRs, raters, and authorizers after hours, and why she continues to speak out about what veterans should know before filing or appealing a claim.

This episode also explores her own service background, her transition from Army radiology tech to social work after military injury, and why she cares deeply about helping veterans avoid costly mistakes in the claims process.

If you are trying to understand VA disability claims with less noise and more clarity, this episode is worth your time.

*Contact Ed Parcaut:** - 🌍 Website: [edparcaut.com](http://edparcaut.com) - 📱 Twitter: [@edparcaut](https://twitter.com)

For more resources and support, visit HelpingTheBrave.com. #HelpingTheBrave #EdParcaut #RaterHQ #VADisabilityClaims #VAClaims #VeteranBenefits #DBQ #NexusLetter #VeteranSupport #FormerVARater #MilitaryTransition #VeteransHelpingVeterans #CAndPExam #SecondaryConditions #DisabilityClaims

Related episodes

April 28, 2026 · 1:11:29

Lee Ettinger on Veteran Community Life And Finding Purpose Again

Guest: Chris Miles

In this episode of "Helping the Brave," host Ed Parcaut sits down with guests Chris Miles and Lee Ettinger for an engaging conversation about military service, transition to civilian life, and entrepreneurship. Chris Miles shares candid stories from his time in the Marine Corps, including challenging boot camp experiences and lessons learned from amphibious assault training. He and Ed Parcaut dive

Episode pageTransition to civilian lifeMental health and healing

September 15, 2026 · 55:17

Navy Nuclear Vet's Journey To Mortgage Broker

Guest: Jason Sharon

In this episode of Helping The Brave Podcast, Ed Parcaut sits down with Jason Sharon for a practical conversation about Navy service, veteran transition, mortgage brokerage, and helping veterans use their VA loan benefit the right way. Jason shares how he joined the Navy in 1993, went through the nuclear program, served twenty years, and spent time on the USS Nimitz, USS Enterprise, and USS Anzio.

Episode pageTransition to civilian lifeBusiness and career

August 25, 2026 · 44:09

Trauma to Triumph: Navy's Vet's Divine Calling

Guest: Fenix Shepard

In this episode of Helping The Brave Podcast, Ed Parcaut sits down with Fenix Shepard for a powerful and deeply honest conversation about Navy service, military sexual trauma, PTSD, addiction, faith, forgiveness, and healing. Fenix shares why she joined the Navy after 9/11, how she served aboard the USS Vella Gulf and USS Preble, and how her life changed after being assaulted during service. She t

Episode pageMental health and healingBenefits and VA process