I am often asked, what is the difference between chapter 7 and chapter 13 bankruptcy? Chapter 7 is a type of bankruptcy in which a debtor gets a fresh start. Chapter 13 is a type of bankruptcy in which a debtor pays all or a portion of his debt in a plan. CHAPTER 7 There are many factors which determine which type of bankruptcy is best for an individual. First, if a debtor has previously filed a chapter 7 bankruptcy, she must wait 8 years before filing another chapter 7. Second, high … [Read more...]
Do I have to go to Court to file Bankruptcy?
While there are instances where a court appearance may be required, most Debtors never have to appear in front of a Judge. The only appearance that every Debtor filing bankruptcy must make is to the creditors’ meeting. Creditors’ meetings generally take place at a courthouse, but you don’t appear in front of a Judge. Instead, the meeting is conducted by a bankruptcy Trustee, a court-appointed attorney. What is a Creditors’ Meeting? After filing bankruptcy, you will be scheduled to attend a … [Read more...]
Why hire an attorney for your VA claim?
In June of 2007 veterans gained the right to hire an attorney to represent them at the Regional Office and the Board of Veteran’s Appeals. The attorney will provide assistance in the filing of the appeal and provide representation at Decision Review Officer hearings or Board of Veterans Appeals hearings. If need be, an attorney can appeal a BVA decision to the Court of Appeals for Veteran’s Claims and the Federal Circuit. Choosing which attorney to represent you before the VA is important … [Read more...]
TDIU vs. 100% Schedular Rating
VA compensation benefits are generally rated on a schedule between 10 and 100, depending on the disability and degrees of disability. However, in VA world the combination of the ratings is not a simple matter. To most of us, 30 + 20 = 50. in VA world, 30% + 20% = 40%. The reason for the unique combination of ratings according to 38 C.F.R. §4.25 is that, “the consideration of the efficiency of the individual as affected first by the most disabling condition, then by the less disabling … [Read more...]
Average Weekly Wage in Illinois Workers’ Compensation Claims
If you are injured on the job, the benefits to which you are entitled are in large part based on your average weekly wage. Generally, the average weekly wage is determined by looking back 52 weeks prior to the injury and adding up the total gross wages earned divided by 52 weeks. Of course, if the injured worker did not work a total of 52 weeks, the wage would typically be the average of the total earned divided by the number of weeks worked. Overtime is included if regular and mandatory. The … [Read more...]
