🎖️ VALOR

From Denial to DIC: A Korean War Veteran’s Battle for VA Recognition

In this video, Hill & Ponton senior attorney Shannon Brewer shares the story of a Korean War veteran who faced years of VA claim denials for frostbite-related injuries. Despite suffering long-term effects—like arthritis, cardiovascular issues, and eventually terminal liver cancer—the VA initially dismissed his conditions due to a narrow interpretation of his symptoms.  

The veteran was eventually granted service connection for multiple conditions through persistence, expert medical input, and an appeal to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals. This led to his widow receiving Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) after his passing.  

Attorney Brewer highlights the importance of thorough documentation, consulting medical experts, and not giving up on denied claims. She urges veterans to be proactive, think beyond the obvious, and advocate for the full scope of their service-connected health issues—both for themselves and their families.

⚖️ EXPERTS

Understanding VA Ratings for Shoulder Replacement and Secondary Conditions

Shoulder injuries are among the most common physical challenges veterans face—often due to the physical demands of military service. For many, these injuries eventually lead to shoulder repair or replacement surgery. Understanding how the VA rates these conditions is critical for securing the compensation you deserve. 

Why Veterans Need Shoulder Repair or Replacement 

Years of carrying heavy gear, training, or sustaining impact injuries can take a toll on the shoulder joint. Conditions that may lead to surgery include: 

• Fractures: Bone breaks from impact or falls. 

• Rotator Cuff Tears: Damage to the muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder. 

• Arthritis: Joint deterioration from wear and tear over time. 

When physical therapy, medications, or other conservative treatments no longer provide relief, surgical intervention may be necessary to restore function and reduce chronic pain. 

VA Disability Ratings for Shoulder Conditions  

The VA rates shoulder injuries primarily under Diagnostic Code 5201, which evaluates limitation of motion. Ratings are determined based on how much a veteran can move their arm after surgery: 

•     40% – Arm motion limited to shoulder level or below. 

•     30% – Arm can’t move more than 25 degrees from the side. 

•     20% – Arm motion is midway between side and shoulder. 

•     10% – Motion is more than halfway, but not full.   

The maximum rating for shoulder replacement or repair is 40%, but that doesn’t mean additional compensation is off the table. 

Secondary Conditions That May Increase Your Rating 

Many veterans experience secondary conditions caused by or related to their primary shoulder injury. These conditions can open the door to a higher overall rating: 

• Depression or Anxiety: Ongoing physical limitations can significantly impact mental health. 

• Neck Problems: Compensating for a weak shoulder can lead to cervical spine strain. 

• Hand or Finger Limitations: Nerve involvement can lead to reduced dexterity or grip strength. 

By claiming secondary service-connected disabilities, veterans can increase their combined rating—even approach 100% disability in some cases. 

How to Apply for Secondary Conditions 

• Consult Your Doctor: Get medical evidence linking your secondary condition to the shoulder injury. 

• Document Your Symptoms: Keep records of how both primary and secondary conditions impact your daily life. 

• Work with a VA-Accredited Representative: Navigating secondary claims is complex, and expert help ensures nothing gets missed. 

What Shoulder Surgery Involves 

Understanding the medical side of shoulder repair or replacement helps clarify how it aligns with VA evaluations: 

• Repair: Focuses on correcting torn muscles or tendons. 

• Replacement: Replaces part or all of the shoulder joint with prosthetics. 

Recovery typically includes rest, medication, and physical therapy, which is crucial for regaining mobility and strength. 

What to Do If Your VA Claim Is Denied   

Unfortunately, even strong claims get denied. But that doesn’t mean the fight is over. The attorneys at Hill & Ponton have extensive experience helping veterans appeal denials and increase their ratings—especially when secondary conditions or complex evaluations are involved. 

We offer: 

• Decades of Experience: Specialized in VA disability law. 

• Tailored Representation: Every veteran’s case gets personalized attention. 

• Advocacy You Can Count On: More than legal support—they’re committed allies in your fight for benefits.

To learn more about VA disability ratings, secondary conditions, and effective appeals, check out our full article:

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

Top Attorney Shares 5 VA Code Mysteries You Never Knew

In this video, VA disability attorney Allison Reddick breaks down the importance of the rating code sheet. This key document outlines everything a veteran is service-connected for—and how it affects their benefits. Many veterans overlook this sheet, but Attorney Reddick explains why it’s essential to understand the full scope of your VA disability compensation. 

She walks viewers through what the rating code sheet includes: the list of service-connected conditions, the assigned ratings, effective dates, and even denied conditions. It also shows past ratings and any special entitlements—like Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) or Individual Unemployability (TDIU)—that may increase a veteran’s overall compensation. 

Attorney Reddick highlights how this document complements the VA’s notice of action letter and rating decision. Together, they help veterans understand how their current rating was determined, what conditions are still eligible for appeal or increase, and how past claims—even those submitted years ago—might affect today’s benefits. 

She also stresses how critical this document can be for identifying missed opportunities. For example, a previously denied claim on the sheet could now be eligible for reopening under updated VA rules, especially for veterans with presumptive conditions or exposure-related claims. 

The video includes guidance on how to get a copy of your rating code sheet—usually by submitting a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request if it wasn’t provided automatically. Attorney Reddick reminds veterans that having this document is key when working with a VSO, attorney, or representative. 

By the end of the video, Attorney Reddick makes it clear: understanding what’s in your rating code sheet isn’t just helpful—it’s a vital step in making sure you’re getting everything you’ve earned through service.

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!