• Navy Veteran
  • Girl Dad
  • Educator
  • Children's Author

Brian Palermo

People do better when somebody gives them a straight answer.

Everything I do comes down to the same job: taking something somebody was left to figure out alone, and explaining it straight. For veterans, that's the VA disability process. For families, it's money. For my daughter, it's a picture book about our dogs. On the podcast, it's whatever people usually avoid saying out loud.

Veterans start hereMore about Brian

No claim representation or legal advice provided

Brian Palermo, Navy veteran and disability benefits educator
  • Bobo the chihuahua grinning wide in the front seat of the car, wearing his red harness and name tag
  • Kyra the white shiba inu sitting in a grassy park with her tongue out
  • Bobo and Kyra resting their faces against each other on a white blanket
  • Bobo lying in the back yard grass with his eyes closed and ears up
  • Kyra standing beside a patch of wallpaper she tore off the wall, looking pleased with herself

Why this work exists

How I got here.

I served in the Navy. When I got out I went through the VA process myself, and nobody explained any of it to me. It was confusing and it took forever. I figured other vets were running into the same wall, so that is where most of my time goes now.

Brian

Brian Palermo holding Bobo in his arms on a wooded trail beside a stream

What that looks like

Veteran education
Structured education for fellow veterans on how the VA disability process actually works. It starts with a free strategy session.
Children's books
Bobo and Kyra. Picture books about our real dogs, written for families to read together.
Money, in plain English
Financial education for families who were never taught this, without the jargon or the pressure.
The podcast
Faith, Money & Mental Health. The conversations people usually avoid.

Children's books

Bobo and Kyra.

Bobo is the chihuahua. Kyra is the shiba. They both ended up with a book of their own.

  • Close up of Kyra resting her chin and both front paws on the edge of the couch
  • Bobo tucked into a patterned blanket with both front paws out, grinning
  • Bobo looking up at the camera from the kitchen floor with his ears up
  • Kyra stretched out asleep across a leather recliner
  • Bobo bundled up in a soft grey blanket, half asleep
  • Kyra and Bobo side by side in the back seat of the car, Bobo wearing a bandana
Faith, Money & Mental Health podcast cover art

The podcast

Faith, Money & Mental Health.

I host the show. Honest conversations about faith, family, mental health, money, and the stuff people usually carry quietly.

Veterans

This community means a lot to me.

I served in the United States Navy aboard the USS George H.W. Bush. That time shaped how I show up for people. Now I provide structured education to fellow veterans on how the VA disability process works.

Veterans start here

I am a veteran disability benefits educator, not an attorney or an accredited claims agent. I do not prepare, file, or represent VA claims. This is education, not legal or medical advice, and nothing here guarantees any VA benefit, rating, or outcome.

This business is not sponsored by or affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, any state department of veterans affairs, or any federally chartered veterans service organization. Those organizations may be able to provide this service free of charge, and you may qualify for other veterans benefits beyond what I offer.

All disability claims are processed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. I cannot expedite the processing of a claim.

Follow the work

Where I show up online.

I share real thoughts on faith, family, mental health, money, books, and the projects I'm building. Some of it is practical, some of it is personal. All of it comes from the same place. I want people to feel more informed and less alone.

See all channels

The home base

If you're looking for clarity, this is a good place to start.

However you got here, I'm glad you're here. Look around, and reach out when you're ready.

Veterans start hereSee the booksContact Brian