🎖️ VALOR

Army Veteran Conrado Cantu Describes How Compassionate Legal Help Led to VA Benefits After Years of Denials

In a candid piece with Hill & Ponton video producer Nate Flemming, Army veteran Conrado Cantu shares his long, difficult path to receiving VA benefits, a journey marked by emotional trauma, bureaucratic roadblocks, and, ultimately, steadfast legal support.   

Cantu describes how his struggle began during basic training at Fort Polk, Louisiana, where he experienced a breakdown that left lasting psychological scars. After completing three years of service and returning to Fort Hood, he faced worsening PTSD and issues with substance use. Trying to navigate the VA system alone only deepened the frustration: confusing paperwork, repeated denials, and a sense that no one was truly listening.   

That changed when he connected with Hill & Ponton. Cantu says they treated him with genuine respect and empathy—something he hadn’t experienced in the system until then. Their legal expertise, combined with his persistence, helped secure the benefits he had long been denied. Today, that support allows him to cover essential living expenses like rent and groceries. 

He personally recommends Hill & Ponton, including attorneys Shelly Mark and Matthew Hill, praising the firm for its professionalism and care. 

Though the effects of PTSD remain, Cantu offers a powerful message to fellow veterans. With the right advocates by your side and a determination to keep moving forward, change is possible even after years of struggle. 

⚖️ EXPERTS

VA Disability Ratings for Nerve Damage: How the VA Evaluates Different Nerve Conditions and What Veterans Should Know 

Nerve damage is a common problem for veterans and can happen due to injuries, illness, or toxic exposure during service. This guide breaks down how the VA decides what rating to give, what affects said ratings, and how veterans like you may be able to qualify for more benefits if your condition is serious or leads to other health issues. 

How the VA Rates Nerve Damage 

The VA uses three main categories to rate nerve problems: 

• Paralysis: When the nerve isn’t working right, causing weakness or even complete loss of movement. 

• Neuritis: When the nerve is inflamed or irritated, causing pain, muscle weakness, or trouble feeling things. 

• Neuralgia: When the nerve causes pain, numbness, or tingling. 

Each condition is rated from mild to severe based on how much it affects your ability to use the body part. 

Why the Specific Nerve Matters 

Your rating also depends on which nerve is damaged. For example, damage to a large nerve like the sciatic nerve may be rated differently than damage to a smaller nerve in your hand. 

Here’s what the VA looks at: 

1. What kind of problem it is (paralysis, neuritis, or neuralgia) 

2. How bad the symptoms are 

3. Which nerve is affected 

If more than one nerve is involved, the VA may group them together into a radicular group and rate based on how the whole group affects movement and function. 

Don’t Forget the Bilateral Factor 

If both sides of your body are affected—like both arms or both legs—you should get: 

• A rating for each side, and 

• An extra percentage bump to your total disability rating (called the bilateral factor) 

Make sure this is included in your rating if it applies to you. 

Limited Motion Can Impact Your Rating 

Sometimes, nerve damage makes moving joints like your shoulder or ankle hard. If that’s the case, the VA will rate you based on whichever gives you a higher percentage; either the nerve damage itself or the limited motion because of said nerve damage. You can’t get both unless the limited range of motion is caused by something other than nerve damage. 

Types of Nerve Damage and How the VA Evaluates Them 

Spinal Nerve Damage (Radiculopathy) 

• Caused by pinched or compressed nerves in the spine 

• Symptoms: shooting pain, numbness, weakness in arms or legs 

• VA rating: 10% to 60% 

Cranial Nerve Damage 

• Affects the face, vision, hearing, and swallowing 

• VA rating: 0% to 60%, depending on how badly it affects you 

Peripheral Nerve Damage 

• Affects nerves outside the brain and spinal cord (like in your hands or feet) 

• VA rating: 10% to 100%, depending on how much it limits your daily life 

Know Your Nerves 

There are a lot of nerves in the VA rates—especially in the arms, legs, back, and neck. Some of the most common ones include: 

• Lower body: sciatic nerve, tibial nerve, femoral nerve, peroneal nerves 

• Upper body: radial nerve, ulnar nerve, median nerve, axillary nerve 

The VA may also rate based on groups of nerves in the arms and shoulders if multiple are affected. 

If your nerve damage makes it hard to walk, lift, grip, or do daily activities, you could qualify for a higher rating—mainly if it affects your dominant hand or limits motion in a major joint. 

Can Nerve Damage Lead to Other Benefits? 

Yes. Nerve damage can cause secondary conditions that also qualify for VA disability, including but not limited to: 

• Chronic pain syndrome 

• Joint or muscle problems 

• Bladder or bowel issues 

• Depression or anxiety 

• Possible special monthly compensation (SMC) for loss of use of hands or feet due to severe nerve-related sensory loss 

TDIU for Veterans Who Can’t Work 

If your nerve damage makes it hard or impossible to hold a steady job, you may qualify for Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU).  

This lets you get paid at the 100% disability rate, even if your total rating is lower. 

What it All Means for You 

Nerve damage can seriously affect your quality of life. But with the proper documentation and understanding of how the VA rates it, you can make sure you're getting the full benefits you deserve. Pay close attention to which nerve is affected, how severe your symptoms are, and how your daily life is impacted.

Don't hesitate to ask for a second look if you think something is missing from your rating.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

How Radiculopathy and Peripheral Neuropathy Affect Veterans and why Early Diagnosis Matters

In this video, veterans affected by nerve conditions will get a clear, practical breakdown of two common but distinct disorders: radiculopathy and peripheral neuropathy. Guided by Hill & Ponton attorney Rachel Cheek, the video explores what sets these conditions apart, how they develop, and what veterans should watch for when symptoms begin to disrupt daily life.   

Radiculopathy is caused by nerve compression in the spine or neck, often leading to sharp, radiating pain or numbness down the limbs. Peripheral neuropathy, frequently seen in veterans with diabetes, starts in the fingertips or toes and progresses inward—causing diminished sensation, balance problems, and a higher risk of injury from unnoticed wounds. 

Though symptoms like tingling and numbness may seem similar, the video clarifies that the causes and treatments are different. Attorney Cheek stresses that early detection is crucial, especially for diabetic veterans, to prevent serious complications and preserve mobility. 

Her message is simple. If you’re experiencing unusual nerve symptoms, don’t wait. Getting the right diagnosis and care early can make all the difference in protecting your quality of life.

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!