IsNullOrWhiteSpace does more than just Trim (it also deals with there being no string at all), so it is safer to use that.
Both parts of your second code block are essentially the same, but can be made even simpler/faster:
Code:
blnAbFHR = rdoT4AbFHR1.Checked
edit: I just noticed that the ElseIf refers to rdoT4AbFHR2 , was that a typo? (my comments were based on it being rdoT4AbFHR1)

Originally Posted by
riechan
Also, are the following codes essentially the same?
Code:
If xx.Checked Then
If xx.Checked = true Then
Yes, and they probably compile to exactly the same thing (so the difference is the amount of typing/reading)