Eleanor Whitfield

Eleanor Whitfield is an independent veterans benefits writer covering VA disability compensation and the programs available to families and survivors. She writes about what a rating means in practice, why a zero percent award still matters, and how a household entitlement changes over time. She is not an attorney or a physician.

VA Respite Care for Veterans: Relief for the Family Doing the Caring

by
Family caregiver supporting a veteran who may qualify for VA respite care for veterans

By Eleanor Whitfield — Independent Veterans Benefits Writer | Reviewed & updated July 26, 2026 Independent and non-government. This site is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or any government agency. For official information, visit VA.gov. The Benefit That Exists for the Person Doing the Caring … Read more

How to Check VA Claim Status Online: Every Stage Explained

by
Veteran learning how to check VA claim status online from home

By Eleanor Whitfield — Independent Veterans Benefits Writer | Reviewed & updated July 26, 2026 Independent and non-government. This site is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or any government agency. For official information, visit VA.gov. The Waiting Is the Hardest Part — But You Can … Read more

Pleural Plaques VA Disability Rating: Why Zero Percent Still Matters

by
Physician explaining a pleural plaques VA disability rating finding on chest imaging

By Eleanor Whitfield — Independent Veterans Benefits Writer | Reviewed & updated July 26, 2026 Independent and non-government. This site is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or any government agency. For official information, visit VA.gov. The Finding on a Scan That Most Veterans Ignore A … Read more

Asbestos in Military Housing: Barracks Exposure and VA Claims Explained

by
Older barracks building of the era associated with asbestos in military housing

By Eleanor Whitfield — Independent Veterans Benefits Writer | Reviewed & updated July 26, 2026 Independent and non-government. This site is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or any government agency. For official information, visit VA.gov. Exposure Did Not Always Happen on Duty Asbestos in military … Read more

VA Asbestos Exposure Military Occupational Specialty: How Your MOS Shapes a Claim

by
Older veteran reviewing service records related to VA asbestos exposure military occupational specialty evidence

By Eleanor Whitfield — Independent Veterans Benefits Writer | Reviewed & updated July 26, 2026 Independent and non-government. This site is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or any government agency. For official information, visit VA.gov. The Detail on Your Discharge Paperwork That Can Decide a … Read more