🎖️ VALOR

From Navigator to Advocate: Jed Orme’s Journey Through Service, Law, and the VA System

For Jed Orme, a U.S. Air Force veteran and former C141 navigator, the impact of service didn’t end with active duty. He initially studied aeronautical engineering to become a pilot, but shifting Air Force policy steered him into navigator training. During the Vietnam War, he flew transport missions moving wounded and fallen soldiers, missions he still considers his most meaningful contribution.

After leaving active duty, Jed earned a law degree and pursued postgraduate studies in aviation law. But like many veterans, he carried invisible injuries. Years of flying led to hearing loss that worsened over time, and later, he was diagnosed with coronary artery disease. His journey through the VA disability system was long and frustrating, beginning with a 10% rating that only gradually increased, despite clear service-related causes.

Eventually, Jed turned to Hill & Ponton for help. With our legal support, he secured a 70% VA disability rating and pursued total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU). He credits the firm for their excellent communication and compassion, even though his case involved relatively modest legal fees.

Jed’s experience is a reminder that the path from service to support isn’t always clear. Navigating the VA system can be overwhelming, especially when conditions develop years after discharge.

But with right guidance and persistent advocacy, veterans like Jed can get the recognition and benefits they’ve earned. 

⚖️ EXPERTS

From Everyday Discomfort to Service Connection: What Veterans Need to Know About VA Ratings for Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are a common yet painful condition that many veterans experience, often because of or worsened by other service-connected issues like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).  

This detailed breakdown explains how the VA rates hemorrhoids, how recent changes affect eligibility, and how secondary service connections can lead to higher disability benefits. 

How the VA Rates Hemorrhoids 

Under Diagnostic Code 7336, the VA assigns ratings based on severity and frequency: 

• 20% – Persistent bleeding with anemia or continuous prolapsed internal hemorrhoids with three or more episodes per year of thrombosis 

• 10% – Prolapsed internal hemorrhoids with two or fewer episodes per year of thrombosis or external hemorrhoids with three or more episodes per year of thrombosis 

Update as of March 2024: The VA now allows a 10% rating for mild or moderate hemorrhoids, recognizing that even moderate cases can significantly impact a veteran's quality of life. This change broadens access to compensation for more veterans than before. 

Case Example: 30% Rating Post-Hemorrhoidectomy 

One veteran initially received a 0% rating after a hemorrhoidectomy but appealed the decision due to continued issues with sphincter control and occasional involuntary bowel movements. After review, the Board of Veterans' Appeals granted a 30% rating under Diagnostic Code 7332. 

What made this appeal successful: 

• Detailed medical evidence documenting hemorrhoidal complications and sphincter impairment 

• Consistent symptom reporting over time, including bleeding and incontinence 

• Supportive VA examinations that aligned with the veteran's testimony 

Hemorrhoids Secondary to GERD 

GERD can contribute to hemorrhoids by increasing strain during bowel movements. Though GERD affects the upper digestive tract, its physical effects can also impact the lower GI system. 

To establish a secondary connection to GERD: 

• Provide medical records showing chronic straining or bowel complications linked to GERD 

• Obtain a medical nexus letter from a doctor explaining the relationship between GERD and hemorrhoids 

Hemorrhoids Secondary to IBS: Another Winning Case 

A veteran with service-connected IBS successfully linked their hemorrhoids to the straining and irregular bowel movements caused by the condition. After an initial denial, the Board approved a secondary service connection based on compelling evidence. 

How this claim succeeded: 

• Comprehensive VA and private medical records documenting both IBS and hemorrhoid symptoms 

• Medical opinions supporting the link between frequent IBS-related bowel changes and hemorrhoids 

• Personal testimony during a Board hearing to describe daily impact and symptom progression 

Tips for Filing a Strong Hemorrhoid Claim 

Whether filing for hemorrhoids as a primary condition or secondary to something like IBS or GERD, keep these points in mind: 

• Gather strong medical documentation showing symptom severity, frequency, and any complications 

• Keep a symptom diary to track flare-ups, pain, bleeding, and how your daily life is affected 

• Request a medical nexus opinion from your healthcare provider if claiming a secondary service connection 

• Be consistent in reporting symptoms across VA exams, private doctor visits, and personal statements 

If you've been denied or underrated for hemorrhoids (or believe your condition is linked to another service-connected issue) reach out for a free case evaluation. The right evidence and guidance can make all the difference.

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

Beyond the Ringing: How Tinnitus Can Lead to Higher VA Disability Benefits Through Secondary Conditions 

Tinnitus is one of the most common disabilities among veterans, often caused by prolonged exposure to loud noises during military service. Yet despite its widespread impact, the VA assigns a flat 10% disability rating for tinnitus regardless of severity or whether it affects one or both ears.  

In this video, Hill & Ponton video producer Nate Flemming and senior attorney Shelly Mark explain why that rating rarely reflects the whole picture. Many veterans also suffer from related or secondary conditions like hearing loss, vertigo, migraines, or sleep disturbances that may go unrecognized but can lead to a much higher overall disability rating. 

Using a detailed case study, Flemming and attorney Mark walk through how one veteran’s tinnitus claim led to a deeper medical evaluation and a diagnosis of Meniere’s disease. This complex inner ear disorder is connected to the veteran’s tinnitus, vertigo, and hearing loss.  

With the proper medical evidence, the veteran received a significantly higher rating than the standard 10 percent. Their story highlights why it is important to investigate possible secondary conditions tied to tinnitus, especially when symptoms extend beyond ear ringing. 

If you already have a service-connected tinnitus diagnosis, you may be eligible for more benefits than you realize. Flemming and attorney Mark explain that secondary conditions can and should be filed alongside your primary claim when there is a clear link. Understanding how these connections work can make all the difference in receiving the compensation and care you deserve.

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!