🎖️ VALOR

From Cold Injuries to Cancer: How One Korean War Veteran Finally Got the VA to Listen

A veteran who served in Korea from 1956 to 1957 faced years of chronic health issues from severe frostbite—arthritis, poor circulation, and later, liver cancer. However, his claims were denied when he turned to the VA for help. The VA argued his frostbite had resolved and dismissed the long-term effects of his service-related cold exposure. 

That’s when Hill & Ponton stepped in. 

With the help of our legal team and medical experts, key connections were made between the veteran’s cold injuries and the chronic conditions that followed—including a diagnosis of hemochromatosis that later developed into terminal liver cancer. This advocacy led to the approval of his disability claims. It ensured that his wife received DIC benefits after his passing. 

Senior Attorney Shannon Brewer, who handled the case, stresses the importance of understanding residual effects, seeking medical opinions, and never settling for vague denials. This case serves as an important reminder: even if your injury happened decades ago, the right support can still make all the difference. 

⚖️ EXPERTS

Allergic Rhinitis VA Ratings: What Veterans Should Know

Allergic rhinitis—caused by allergens like dust, pollen, or dander—is common among veterans. The VA rates it under diagnostic code 6522 based on symptom severity and nasal polyps. 

VA Disability Ratings for Allergic Rhinitis 

• 30%: With nasal polyps 

• 10%: Without polyps but with 50%+ nasal obstruction on both sides or complete obstruction on one side 

Burn Pit Exposure and the PACT Act 

Allergic rhinitis is now a presumptive condition under the PACT Act for veterans exposed to burn pits in qualifying locations (e.g., Iraq, Afghanistan, Southwest Asia). Veterans only need a diagnosis, qualifying service, and an honorable discharge—no need to prove direct causation. 

How to Strengthen a Rhinitis VA Claim 

• Provide a current medical diagnosis 

• Document in-service exposure to allergens or toxins 

• Submit a nexus letter linking rhinitis to service 

• Identify and support any secondary conditions like sinusitis, asthma, sleep apnea, or GERD 

• Be prepared to explain the impact of symptoms at your C&P exam 

Secondary Conditions that May Strengthen Your Claim 

• Chronic sinusitis 

• Obstructive sleep apnea 

• Asthma 

• GERD 

• Migraines 

• Fatigue and mood disorders 

Attorney Insight 

Hill & Ponton's attorneys stress that allergic rhinitis claims often rely on proper documentation and understanding secondary links. If your condition is tied to service—or worsened by another service-connected issue—supporting it with strong medical evidence can significantly boost your rating.

Learn how the VA rates allergic rhinitis and what you need to strengthen your claim — read more here.

If you've been denied or think your rating is too low, contact Hill & Ponton for a free case evaluation.

🦅SUPPORT

Attention: Join us today at 1400 hours EST for a new Livestream with our legal team!

Join us to get your questions about VA disability law and the claims process answered by our legal team. Comments open 30 minutes prior to the Livestream starting, so get there early to get your question in. We try to answer as many as we can!

Were You Exposed to “Forever Chemicals” in Your Water Supply?

PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals,” are synthetic substances widely used in firefighting foams, water-resistant products, and industrial applications. These chemicals have been found in dangerously high concentrations in some water supplies, including on or near military bases. Learn if your military base was impacted using our Toxic Exposure Map.

Exposure to PFAS has been linked to severe health conditions, such as:

• Testicular Cancer

• Kidney Cancer

• Ulcerative Colitis

• Liver Cancer

If you or a loved one lived or worked in areas with PFAS contamination and have been diagnosed with any of these conditions, you may qualify for compensation.

Act now. Contact us today at (855) 494-1298 to learn more about your options or to begin your claim. You’ve served your country; let us serve you.

🗺️ TACTICS

Breaking Down VA Ratings for Sinusitis: What Qualifies and What Doesn’t

Understanding how the VA rates sinusitis can make the difference between a denied claim and meaningful monthly compensation. This video explores the full range of rating criteria—from a 0% rating for symptomless imaging results to a 50% rating for chronic, post-surgical sinusitis that severely impacts daily life. 

In this video, Hill & Ponton Attorney Rachel Cheek details what it takes to qualify for each level: a 10% rating may stem from just one or two incapacitating episodes per year or several non-incapacitating ones with symptoms like headaches and nasal discharge. A 30% rating reflects more frequent or intense episodes, while a 50% rating is reserved for those who’ve undergone surgery but continue to suffer persistent symptoms. 

The key? Thorough documentation. Medical records, treatment history, and personal statements are essential to proving the frequency and severity of symptoms. This breakdown is vital for veterans seeking to strengthen their claims and understand how sinusitis is evaluated under VA disability law.

Need Help with an Appeal? Hill & Ponton is Here for You

At Hill & Ponton, we specialize in helping veterans navigate the VA appeals process to secure the benefits they rightfully deserve. Whether you're facing a denied claim, an appeal for a higher rating, or need assistance gathering critical evidence, our team is ready to advocate for you.

Use our VA Disability Calculator to see if your current rating aligns with your level of disability and explore potential increases based on any secondary conditions you may have. Calculate Your VA Disability Rating Now!