Wednesday, 19 March 2025 Issue#023

As the shamrocks settle from St. Patrick’s Day and your NCAA bracket inevitably crumbles (thanks a lot, Cinderella teams), it’s time to focus on something you can actually control—your future. This week, we’re diving into how your VA disability rating impacts life insurance and what you can do to secure coverage. Plus, we tackle the age-old question: Do professional certifications really matter, or are they just expensive participation trophies?

Whether you're betting on your next career move or just trying to outsmart insurance companies the way you "thought" you outsmarted your bracket, we’ve got you covered. Let’s get into it!

Does a VA disability rating make getting life insurance harder?

How a VA Disability Rating Affects Life Insurance and What You Can Do About It

For many veterans, securing life insurance after leaving the military can be more complicated than expected. One of the biggest factors that can impact approval, coverage options, and rates is a VA disability rating. While a service-connected disability doesn’t automatically disqualify you from getting life insurance, it can make the process more challenging depending on the severity of the condition and the type of policy you’re seeking.

The biggest concern for private insurers is the risk associated with your disability. If you have a lower VA rating—typically between 0% and 30%—for a minor condition, it may not significantly impact your ability to obtain life insurance. However, higher disability ratings, especially those at 70% or above, can raise red flags for insurers. Conditions such as PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, heart disease, or cancer are seen as higher risks, which can lead to higher premiums or outright denial. On the other hand, if your disability is primarily physical and doesn’t affect life expectancy—such as hearing loss or a knee injury—it may have little to no impact on your approval.

The type of life insurance you apply for also plays a major role. If you’re looking at group life insurance, such as policies offered through an employer, your VA disability rating may not be a factor at all since these plans often don’t require a medical exam. However, private term and whole life insurance policies typically involve underwriting, where medical history and disability status can influence both eligibility and cost.

Fortunately, there are insurance options specifically designed for veterans with service-connected disabilities. The Service-Disabled Veterans Insurance (S-DVI) program offers coverage for veterans who have a VA disability rating but are otherwise in good health. Another option is Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI), which allows you to convert your Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) into a veteran policy without a medical exam if you apply within 240 days of leaving service. After that window, approval is still possible, but your health history will be considered. For those struggling to find traditional coverage, guaranteed issue policies are also an option, though they come with higher premiums and lower payouts.

If you’re planning to apply for life insurance and have a VA disability rating, there are a few ways to improve your chances of approval. If possible, consider securing a policy before your VA rating increases, as lower ratings often lead to fewer underwriting complications. It also helps to work with an insurer experienced in working with veterans, as some companies are more lenient when evaluating service-connected disabilities. Additionally, employer-sponsored plans or group life insurance policies can provide an alternative way to get coverage without the challenges of medical underwriting.

Navigating life insurance with a VA disability rating isn’t impossible, but it does require planning and knowledge of the available options. Whether you choose a VA-backed policy or explore private insurance, understanding how your rating affects eligibility can help you make an informed decision that protects your family’s financial future.

Do professional certifications matter?

Professional certifications have long been a topic of debate when it comes to job hunting and career advancement. Many professionals wonder whether investing time and money into certifications is worth it. The truth is, certifications can significantly impact both hiring potential and earning power, depending on the industry and career goals.

For job seekers, certifications provide a valuable advantage by demonstrating expertise and credibility. In competitive job markets, hiring managers often look for candidates who stand out, and a certification serves as proof of specialized knowledge. In some industries, such as IT, project management, healthcare, and finance, certain certifications are not just preferred but required. For instance, a hiring manager looking for a project manager may strongly favor a candidate with a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification over someone without it. Even if the certification is not mandatory, it can help tip the scales in a candidate’s favor, especially when experience levels between applicants are similar.

Beyond improving job prospects, certifications also have the potential to increase earning power. Many studies show that certified professionals tend to earn more than their non-certified counterparts. A PMP-certified project manager, for example, can see salary increases of 20% or more compared to those without certification. Similarly, an AWS Certified Solutions Architect often commands higher salaries in cloud computing, while finance professionals holding a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation can secure more lucrative opportunities. This boost in earning potential is largely due to the specialized skills and credibility that certifications provide, which in turn allow professionals to take on higher-paying roles and negotiate better salaries.

For individuals looking to advance their careers in project management, writing, or process improvement, selecting the right certification is key. A PMP certification is one of the most recognized credentials in project management, while Lean Six Sigma certifications are highly valued for process improvement and operational efficiency roles. Those interested in Agile project management may find a Certified Scrum Master (CSM) credential beneficial, and technical writers could enhance their skills with industry-recognized writing certifications. Even cost-effective programs, such as the Google Project Management Certificate, can add value by providing structured learning and recognition.

Certifications alone won’t guarantee career success, but they do open doors and provide leverage in job negotiations. In an increasingly competitive job market, they signal to employers that a candidate is serious about professional development and possesses the skills necessary to excel. Whether someone is looking to land a new job, switch careers, or boost their salary, the right certification can be a worthwhile investment in long-term career growth.