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VA Math, TDIU, and the Road to 100% Without the Guesswork

Mar 4, 2026

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11 min read

VA Math, TDIU, and the Road to 100% Without the Guesswork

Learn about Samuel L. Gravely Jr.’s barrier-breaking Navy career, a clear breakdown of how the Combined Ratings Table really works, and when TDIU can pay at the 100% rate even if your schedular rating falls short.

Hagen McMenemy
Hill & Ponton
Hagen McMenemy, +1
Knee Replacement Ratings, Foot Drop Symptoms, and the Story of Hershel “Woody” Williams

Feb 25, 2026

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6 min read

Knee Replacement Ratings, Foot Drop Symptoms, and the Story of Hershel “Woody” Williams

Information on VA knee replacement ratings, advice from our leadership on foot drop symptoms, and the story of a flamethrowing Marine who served at Iwo Jima.

Hagen McMenemy
Hill & Ponton
Hagen McMenemy, +1
The Importance of Secondary Disabilities, the Reality of Tinnitus Claims, and the American Sniper

Feb 18, 2026

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11 min read

The Importance of Secondary Disabilities, the Reality of Tinnitus Claims, and the American Sniper

From the story of Chris Kyle to VA secondary disability claims, tinnitus insights, and veteran benefits trivia, this week’s V.E.T.S Advantage covers what veterans need to know.

Hagen McMenemy
Hill & Ponton
Hagen McMenemy, +1
Important Information About Hypertension Secondary Conditions

Feb 11, 2026

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11 min read

Important Information About Hypertension Secondary Conditions

This week we talk about hypertension and sleep apnea, their connection, and what they mean for VA disability claims.

Hagen McMenemy
Hill & Ponton
Hagen McMenemy, +1
Making the Most of Your C&P Exam

Feb 4, 2026

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12 min read

Making the Most of Your C&P Exam

Information on making C&P exams work in your favor and what to do if your claim is still denied. Plus, the story of a seventeen-year-old WWII hero.

Hagen McMenemy
Hill & Ponton
Hagen McMenemy, +1
One Combat Veteran’s Fight for Her Comrades at Home, Plus Paths to 100% VA Disability and TDIU Factors Explained

Jan 28, 2026

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13 min read

One Combat Veteran’s Fight for Her Comrades at Home, Plus Paths to 100% VA Disability and TDIU Factors Explained

A look at Tammy Duckworth’s service and advocacy, how veterans can reach a 100% disability rating, and what “substantially gainful employment” really means under TDIU.

Hagen McMenemy
Hill & Ponton
Hagen McMenemy, +1
The Sailor Who Stood His Ground at Pearl Harbor, How VA Rates Depression, and What to Know About PTSD Claims

Jan 21, 2026

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13 min read

The Sailor Who Stood His Ground at Pearl Harbor, How VA Rates Depression, and What to Know About PTSD Claims

Remembering Doris “Dorie” Miller’s heroism, breaking down VA disability ratings for depression, and clarifying how PTSD claims are evaluated when records are limited.

Hagen McMenemy
Hill & Ponton
Hagen McMenemy, +1
The Marksman Who Turned the Tide, VA Disability Ratings for Diabetes, and When 100% is Possible

Jan 14, 2026

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12 min read

The Marksman Who Turned the Tide, VA Disability Ratings for Diabetes, and When 100% is Possible

Sergeant Alvin C. York’s defining moment at Argonne, how VA evaluates diabetes and related conditions, and what veterans should know about higher disability ratings for diabetes

Hagen McMenemy
Hill & Ponton
Hagen McMenemy, +1
Remembering Ross A. McGinnis and Understanding VA Back Pay

Jan 7, 2026

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13 min read

Remembering Ross A. McGinnis and Understanding VA Back Pay

The story of a young soldier who saved his comrades, how VA effective dates work, and why timing matters in disability claims.

Hagen McMenemy
Hill & Ponton
Hagen McMenemy, +1
The Soldier Who Refused a False Narrative, Secondary Claims for Depression, and Demystifying Mental Health Exams

Dec 31, 2025

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7 min read

The Soldier Who Refused a False Narrative, Secondary Claims for Depression, and Demystifying Mental Health Exams

Jessica Lynch's courage to speak truth instead of accepting accolades, how chronic pain can lead to secondary mental health claims, and what to expect during your mental health evaluation.

Hagen McMenemy
Hill & Ponton
Hagen McMenemy, +1
The Fighter Pilot Who Led From the Front, When the VA Reexamines Your Disability, and Tips for a Successful C&P Exam

Dec 24, 2025

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13 min read

The Fighter Pilot Who Led From the Front, When the VA Reexamines Your Disability, and Tips for a Successful C&P Exam

Honoring Robin Olds' legacy as a triple ace, understanding VA reexamination rules that protect your benefits, and what you need to know before your next C&P exam.

Hagen McMenemy
Hill & Ponton
Hagen McMenemy, +1
The Iwo Jima Hero, Sleep Apnea Benefits Explained, and Building Claims That Win

Dec 17, 2025

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14 min read

The Iwo Jima Hero, Sleep Apnea Benefits Explained, and Building Claims That Win

The story of an Arizona Marine immortalized on Iwo Jima who struggled with fame and loss, how to secure VA compensation for one of the most common veteran conditions, and what evidence you need to prove service connection.

Hagen McMenemy
Hill & Ponton
Hagen McMenemy, +1
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The V.E.T.S. Advantage by Hill & Ponton

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