🎖️ VALOR

From Overlooked to 100%: How One Coast Guard Veteran Finally Got the VA Benefits He Deserved

Chief Petty Officer Glenn Sharkey opens up about his long road to understanding and receiving VA benefits after serving 21 years in the Coast Guard. Like many veterans, Glenn didn’t initially realize he qualified for support—assuming it was only for those with catastrophic injuries.  

That changed in 2017, nearly two decades after his retirement when a chance conversation at a Navy Lodge sparked a life-changing shift. 

Encouraged to explore his eligibility, Glenn met with a Veteran Service Officer who helped him file a claim for chronic back pain and seizure-like symptoms from his time in service. It was a start—earning him a 10% rating—but far from the whole picture. 

That’s when he turned to Hill & Ponton. 

With the guidance of our legal team, especially the support of a representative named Carol, Glenn was finally able to communicate the real impact of his conditions. What followed was a steady climb—from 10% to a full 100% disability rating, plus back pay dating back to 2018. 

More than financial relief, the outcome gave Glenn something he thought he had lost: the ability to be present with his family again. 

His story powerfully reminds us that the VA process is navigable—but it’s not easy to do alone. For many like Glenn, the right help can turn years of frustration into life-changing support. 

⚖️ EXPERTS

Sleep Apnea VA Ratings: How to Get the Benefits You Deserve

Sleep apnea—especially Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)—affects over half a million veterans and can seriously impact health and quality of life. The VA rates sleep apnea based on severity and whether a CPAP or other treatment is required. 

VA Disability Ratings for Sleep Apnea 

• 0%: Diagnosed, but no significant symptoms or treatment 

• 30%: Daytime fatigue from disrupted sleep 

• 50%: Use of a CPAP or breathing device 

• 100%: Chronic respiratory failure, heart issues, or tracheostomy 

Most veterans receive a 50% rating if a CPAP is prescribed. Still, higher ratings are possible with additional complications, like reduced lung function. For example, in one case, a veteran with service-connected sarcoidosis and OSA successfully increased his rating from 50% to 60% after pulmonary tests showed lung function decline. His consistent CPAP use, credible testimony, and medical evidence were key to winning the claim. 

VA May Change Sleep Apnea Ratings 

The VA is currently reviewing how it evaluates sleep apnea. Proposed changes suggest veterans whose symptoms are fully treated with CPAP may be rated at 0%. However, these updates are not yet final and don’t affect current compensation. 

How to Strengthen a Sleep Apnea VA Claim 

• Include a sleep study diagnosis 

• Submit lay statements about in-service symptoms 

• Connect secondary conditions like PTSD, GERD, or hypertension 

• Obtain a medical nexus letter linking sleep apnea to service 

Not a Presumptive Condition—Yet 

Sleep apnea isn’t automatically service-connected, even for veterans exposed to burn pits or Gulf War toxins. However, you can win a claim by showing service caused or worsened your condition. One Gulf War veteran won benefits by submitting a medical opinion linking his OSA to chemical exposure, along with a sleep study and lay statements. 

Secondary Conditions that May Strengthen Your Claim 

• PTSD, anxiety, depression 

• Hypertension and heart disease 

• TBI, GERD, diabetes 

• Asthma, chronic pain, sinus issues 

Attorney Insight 

Hill & Ponton's attorneys emphasize that veterans should build claims around strong medical records and personal narratives. A well-documented connection between service and OSA—or secondary conditions—can significantly improve your rating. 

If you’re struggling with a denied claim or need help securing a higher rating, contact Hill & Ponton for a free case evaluation. 

Learn how the VA rates migraines and what it takes to qualify for the highest rating — Read more here. 

If you’re facing challenges with your claim and need assistance, reach out 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

Proving the Past: How One Veteran Won a Service Connection Claim 40 Years After Injury

Hill & Ponton Attorney Rachel Cheek shares how she helped a veteran secure VA benefits for a cervical spine injury—despite the original incident occurring over 40 years earlier. The main challenge was proving that the veteran’s current neck condition stemmed from an in-service assault, not a more recent post-service fall that the VA mistakenly believed was the actual cause. 

Attorney Cheek worked closely with the veteran to gather expert medical opinions and craft detailed personal statements clarifying the timeline. These lay statements filled in gaps from missing records and directly challenged the VA’s assumptions. 

Attorney Cheek explains that even after 40 years, a strong claim is possible with the right evidence and legal support. This case highlights Hill & Ponton’s commitment to helping veterans overcome complex VA barriers—and get the benefits they’ve earned. 

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!