“Funky VA Math” refers to the unique formula the VA uses to calculate combined disability ratings—it’s not simple addition. Our name reflects our commitment to breaking down this confusing process so veterans can better understand and advocate for their benefits.

Funky VA Math LLC is a Texas veteran-owned company dedicated to helping active-duty members, veterans, survivors, dependents, and caregivers navigate the VA system with confidence. We simplify the VA’s complex disability math and empower our community through print resources, workshops, and storytelling.

FTV|BTV (For The Veteran | By The Veteran) Magazine is a quarterly print publication that blends real-life veteran experiences, resource guidance, and a comic-style serialized storyline to engage, educate, and empower. It’s part of our mission to tell powerful stories and provide practical help.

Funky VA Math was founded by Tom Hurley, a 38-year federal service veteran and former Army medic with a passion for demystifying VA processes. Known as “The VA Math Guy,” Tom created this platform to serve the community that shaped him.

No. We are an independent, veteran-founded company. While we deeply respect the work of the VA, we operate as a separate, non-academic educational resource—we don’t issue certificates, diplomas, or degrees. Our focus is plain-language guidance, relatable storytelling, and community empowerment.

We proudly serve active-duty service members, veterans, spouses, surviving family members, dependents, and caregivers—all who are navigating the VA system and seeking trusted, plain-language resources.

Because information sticks when it’s human. We believe veterans connect with real stories—especially when those stories reflect their struggles, triumphs, and families. Our magazine and sessions use storytelling to bring clarity, context, and support to VA-related topics.

Join our free newsletter to get alerts on new FTV|BTV issues, VA updates, and tools for navigating benefits. You can also follow us on LinkedIn or check back often as our website expands.

No—it’s for anyone navigating the VA system. That includes active-duty servicemembers, survivors, caregivers, and dependents. If you’re connected to a veteran in any way, this magazine is built with you in mind.

We publish quarterly, with new issues released every January, April, July, and October.

Starting mid-April 2025, FTV|BTV will be available for purchase directly through our website via a link. Sign up for the newsletter or follow us on LinkedIn for release announcements.

FTV|BTV is primarily a physical print magazine. While we share select previews, blog-style content, and behind-the-scenes insights online, we believe in the power of tangible media—something you can hold, underline, revisit, or pass along. In a world flooded with PDFs, inbox alerts, video blogs, endless webinars, and talking-head Zoom sessions, this is your personal copy. Something to keep on your coffee table, take to an appointment, or hand to someone who needs it. It’s not just a resource—it’s a moment of calm in the chaos. Familiar. Grounded. Yours.
Enjoy it with a cup of coffee, in a quiet corner, or even at the beach—no screens required.

While we do not currently accept direct story submissions, we welcome reader feedback. Feel free to leave a comment on the site or send us a message about what the magazine means to you, what you’d like to see more of, or what might help others. Many of our stories are drawn from a blend of real veteran experiences, insights from the past several years, and fictionalized elements where needed—to protect identities or bring certain points home. Every story is crafted with care, respect, and purpose.

We love hearing from our readers. If there’s a topic you think we should cover or a practice that’s helped you or your family, let us know through our Contact page. Your suggestions help us keep the magazine useful, relevant, and community-driven.

VA disability compensation is a tax-free monthly benefit paid to veterans with service-connected conditions. Your total benefit depends on your disability rating and whether you have qualifying dependents.

We don’t calculate ratings or provide individual claims assistance. Instead, we offer relatable examples, plain-language explanations, and veteran-informed content that helps you understand the process. Through our print magazine and website, we guide you toward trusted resources—like accredited VSOs—who are qualified to help with your actual VA claims and rating evaluations.

No. We are not a law firm, claims agency, or academic institution. We are an independent, veteran-founded platform that offers guidance and storytelling to support your understanding of VA disability processes. For official assistance, we encourage working with an accredited VSO or representative.

Because your rating determines more than your monthly compensation. It can affect your eligibility for VA health care, education benefits, family support, VA home loans, and more. Knowing how VA math works helps you advocate for yourself and ask informed questions.

Not at this time. While we don’t offer a digital calculator or personal estimates, our materials include easy-to-follow examples that show how the VA’s formula works—especially when multiple conditions are involved. And by the way, the VA offers a handy online calculator if you want to explore that further.

Our BDD Prep Session is an independent informational resource—not affiliated with the official VA BDD Program. It’s featured in FTV|BTV Magazine and through our website to help service members explore what to expect, what to consider, and how to approach the process before starting their claim.

To be eligible, you generally need between 90 and 180 days left on active duty, a known separation date, and access to required medical records and exams. Some conditions—like terminal illness or complex cases—may require different processing.

Yes, but there are additional requirements and timeframes for those applying from outside the U.S. It’s important to begin early and coordinate with your military medical team and a VSO familiar with overseas claims.

Early preparation gives you more time to review your service treatment records (STRs), gather supporting documents, and track symptoms that may be relevant to your claim. It can help reduce avoidable delays once you submit your application.

No—we don’t file claims or represent veterans. We aim to raise awareness and offer general information about the BDD process so that service members can seek out the appropriate support—such as accredited VSOs and official VA channels—when they’re ready to begin.

Because many transitioning service members feel overwhelmed and unsure where to begin. Our magazine includes characters and real-world–inspired situations to introduce key concepts—like symptom tracking, DBQs, and C&P exams—and suggest how early preparation may improve the experience once you enter the official VA BDD Program.

Begin with VA.gov to review the official program and eligibility requirements. Then contact a VSO (Veteran Service Officer) or representative who can walk you through the formal application process and answer questions specific to your case.

Yes. While our primary focus is helping veterans understand VA-related topics, FTV|BTV Magazine also includes content geared toward family members. Through fictional features like Jean and Laura’s Veteran Family Workshops (JLVFW), we explore scenarios, resources, and practical ideas for survivors, dependents, and caregivers navigating the challenges of post-service life.

JLVFW is a fictional initiative within FTV|BTV Magazine, created by characters Jean and Laura. It represents a grassroots-style support network built on shared experience, reflection, and encouragement. While not a real-world program, the stories inspired by JLVFW offer readers relatable perspectives and highlight useful considerations for those dealing with loss or caregiving responsibilities.

Topics vary by issue but may include suggestions on how to approach VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), Survivor’s Pension, education benefits for dependents, Housebound and Aid & Attendance, and caregiver self-care. These appear through fictional storylines—like those in Issue #3: Dependents, Survivors & Caregivers—and are meant to help readers think about questions to ask and steps to consider.

A good starting point is VA.gov or connecting with a local VSO for personalized help. You may also want to review resources featured in the upcoming Summer issue of FTV|BTV Magazine, which focuses on navigating life as a survivor or family member of a veteran.

Yes. The VA offers services through its Caregiver Support Program, including the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC). While we don’t provide or manage these services, we occasionally highlight them in the magazine to help families identify official points of contact and questions worth asking.

We do not accept personal stories for publication, but we do welcome input. Let us know what topics you’d like us to explore, what worked for you, or what you’d recommend for future issues. Your insight helps shape meaningful, relevant content for others on a similar path.

The best way to reach us is through the Contact Form on our website. We’re a small, veteran-owned company and may not be able to respond to every message personally—but we read every submission and appreciate your input.

At this time, we do not offer phone-based support. We’re a small operation and focus our energy on creating resources that serve the wider veteran and family community. For time-sensitive or urgent needs, we encourage you to connect with an accredited VSO, local VA office, or use VA.gov.

Join our email newsletter to receive updates when new issues of FTV|BTV Magazine become available, as well as future resources or announcements. You can also follow us on LinkedIn for real-time updates.

Yes, absolutely. We welcome constructive suggestions and topic ideas through the Contact Form. Let us know what helped, what could improve, or what you’d like to see covered in a future issue. Every message helps us build a better resource for the community.

We’re not a crisis or emergency support service. If you or someone you know is in distress or needs immediate help, please contact the Veterans Crisis Line by dialing 988 and pressing 1, or visit www.veteranscrisisline.net.