Hagen McMenemy | The V.E.T.S. Advantage by Hill & Ponton

Oliver Buchannon

Hagen McMenemy

Originally from Montgomery, AL, I proudly served as a paratrooper in the 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne), specializing as a parachute rigger. My academic journey led me to graduate from the University of Alabama with a degree in public relations. Currently residing in Detroit, MI, I channel my passion for the military and veterans into my writing endeavors, delving into topics that resonate with the experiences of those who have served.

Knowing What Your Neck Pain Claim Could Be Worth

May 13, 2026

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6 min read

Knowing What Your Neck Pain Claim Could Be Worth

We honor Captain Benjamin Salomon, break down VA neck pain ratings, and professional advice for what examiners are really looking for in your mental health C&P exam.

Hagen McMenemy, +1

The VA Conditions You Didn't Know You Could Claim

May 6, 2026

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11 min read

The VA Conditions You Didn't Know You Could Claim

We break down VA ratings for TMJ disorder and explain why your eczema flare-ups deserve better documentation while also honoring Colonel Ralph Puckett Jr.

Hagen McMenemy, +1

Your Shoulder Claim Might Be Worth More Than You Think

Apr 29, 2026

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11 min read

Your Shoulder Claim Might Be Worth More Than You Think

We spotlight Gary Sinise's mission for veterans, break down VA shoulder ratings, and explain why 100% may not be your ceiling.

Hagen McMenemy, +1

Does Your Sleep Apnea Qualify You for More VA Benefits Than You're Getting?

Apr 22, 2026

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11 min read

Does Your Sleep Apnea Qualify You for More VA Benefits Than You're Getting?

Breaking down the sleep apnea and hypertension connection, and explaining what veterans need for a successful sleep apnea claim. We also honor a legendary Tuskegee Airman

Hagen McMenemy, +1

Are You Leaving VA Money on the Table for Hip Pain?

Apr 15, 2026

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11 min read

Are You Leaving VA Money on the Table for Hip Pain?

We honor SFC Alwyn Cashe, unpack VA hip pain ratings, and explain why arthritis claims hinge on your worst days.

Hagen McMenemy, +1

Radiculopathy VA Ratings, DIC Benefits, and What Families Should Know

Apr 8, 2026

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10 min read

Radiculopathy VA Ratings, DIC Benefits, and What Families Should Know

Learn how VA rates radiculopathy and what veterans need to prove service connection, plus guidance from Hill & Ponton on how DIC benefits can increase for surviving families and the story of Navy SEAL Marcus Luttrell.

Hagen McMenemy, +1

Tinnitus VA Ratings, VA Letter Pitfalls, and the Legacy of Lt. Michael P. Murphy

Apr 1, 2026

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10 min read

Tinnitus VA Ratings, VA Letter Pitfalls, and the Legacy of Lt. Michael P. Murphy

Learn how VA rates tinnitus and how secondary conditions can increase your disability rating, plus advice from Hill & Ponton attorneys on confusing VA letters and a look at Medal of Honor recipient Lt. Michael P. Murphy.

Hagen McMenemy, +1

Navigating VA Infertility & Secondary Disability Claims

Mar 25, 2026

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10 min read

Navigating VA Infertility & Secondary Disability Claims

Plus, learn about the legacy of Carlos Hathcock and hear attorney insights on how VA evaluates urinary frequency as a secondary condition.

Hagen McMenemy, +1

Heart Disease VA Ratings and Service Connection Strategies

Mar 18, 2026

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10 min read

Heart Disease VA Ratings and Service Connection Strategies

Guidance on VA heart disease ratings and how to establish service connection, plus a closer look at the leadership legacy of Lt. Gen. Hal Moore.

Hagen McMenemy, +1

Why Evidence Wins VA Disability Claims and How to Build a Strong File

Mar 11, 2026

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13 min read

Why Evidence Wins VA Disability Claims and How to Build a Strong File

Plus, the story of Colin Powell’s rise from South Bronx, understanding the practical side of VA law, and understanding how service records, deck logs, expert opinions, and nexus letters can change claim outcomes.

Hagen McMenemy, +1

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, +1

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

Feb 25, 2026

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11 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, +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, +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, +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, +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, +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, +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, +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, +1

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

Dec 31, 2025

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13 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, +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, +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, +1

The Marine Who Never Stopped Fighting, VA Ratings for Plantar Fasciitis, and How to Lock In Your Protected Rating

Dec 10, 2025

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14 min read

The Marine Who Never Stopped Fighting, VA Ratings for Plantar Fasciitis, and How to Lock In Your Protected Rating

A New Jersey Marine who earned two of the nation's highest honors, understanding disability compensation for service-related foot pain, and the critical timelines that keep the VA from reducing your benefits.

Hagen McMenemy, +1

Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day: Honoring Courage That Endures

Dec 7, 2025

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8 min read

Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day: Honoring Courage That Endures

On December 7, we remember the Americans who faced the unthinkable at Pearl Harbor and the generation whose courage reshaped our nation’s history.

Hagen McMenemy, +1

The Valor of PFC Domingo Silvas, Unlocking SMC-T Benefits, and Helping Veterans with Severe TBI

Dec 3, 2025

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12 min read

The Valor of PFC Domingo Silvas, Unlocking SMC-T Benefits, and Helping Veterans with Severe TBI

A soldier’s courage and sacrifice in Vietnam’s A Shau Valley, how SMC-T can increase monthly VA compensation to over $9,000, and the vital programs helping veterans and caregivers manage life after traumatic brain injury.

Hagen McMenemy, +1