🎖️ VALOR

Fort McClellan Exposure: One Veteran’s Battle for VA Benefits 

Army veteran Larry Stewart opens up about his 21 years in the Reserves and the unexpected health battle that emerged decades later. After being diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer nearly 20 years after training at Fort McClellan, Stewart began questioning whether toxic exposure during his service could be the cause. 

At first, he didn’t realize Fort McClellan had a history of environmental concerns. However, after connecting with other veterans and learning about the PACT Act, Stewart decided to pursue a claim through the VA. Like many, he ran into bureaucratic roadblocks and claim denials that made navigating the process alone impossible.   

With the help of Hill & Ponton, Stewart could present his case before an Administrative Law Judge—and win. His story is a powerful reminder of how many veterans may be unaware of toxic exposures and the long-term health risks they face. It also highlights the importance of legal support, shared knowledge within the veteran community, and pushing forward even when the system seems stacked against you. 

⚖️ EXPERTS

VA Disability for Scars and Burns: What Veterans Should Know

Scars are one of the most common service-connected disabilities, with more than a million veterans receiving compensation for them—including over 65,000 with burn scars. The VA evaluates scars based on several key factors, such as location, size, pain, stability, and whether the scarring limits motion or causes disfigurement. 

How the VA Rates Scars 

Scars are rated between 0% and 80%, depending on the following: 

• Pain or instability 

• Size and surface area 

• Location (head, face, and neck receive higher ratings) 

• Impact on motion or function 

• Characteristics of disfigurement (e.g., depressed contour, abnormal skin texture, color changes, tissue loss) 

Scar ratings examples: 

• 10%: One or two painful or unstable scars; scars covering 6–12 sq. in. 

• 30%: Five painful/unstable scars or scars affecting at least 72 sq. in. 

• 80%: Severe disfigurement of the face/neck with 6+ characteristics of disfigurement

Can You Combine Ratings? 

Scars on different body parts can be combined for a higher rating. However, scars on the same limb or area are typically not added together, and only the highest rating will apply—unless the total area or functionality is affected. 

Tips to Strengthen Your Claim 

• Submit detailed medical records showing the severity of each scar 

• Note any impact on movement, visibility, or employability 

• Understand the two ratings systems: one for scar condition and one for disfigurement 

• Know that deep or function-limiting scars may increase your overall VA rating 

Service Connection 

You must prove that your scar was caused by or worsened during military service. For reservists, this typically requires showing that the injury occurred in the line of duty. 

If you believe your scar-related disability was undervalued or denied, legal support can make a difference. Hill & Ponton has helped thousands of veterans secure the benefits they deserve.

Find out how the VA rates scars and what it takes to qualify for higher compensation — Learn 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

How DBQs and Nexus Letters Strengthen Mental Health VA Claims

In this insightful discussion, Hill & Ponton’s video producer Nate interviews Dr. Alexander Williams, a psychologist and professor from the University of Kansas who specializes in helping veterans navigate the mental health claims process. Together, they break down two essential tools in any veteran’s benefits case: Disability Benefits Questionnaires (DBQs) and nexus letters. 

Dr. Williams explains that DBQs are crucial for clearly documenting the severity and impact of a veteran’s mental health condition. A DBQ can offer strong, structured evidence to support a claim when completed by a knowledgeable psychologist. He also highlights the importance of a nexus letter, which connects the veteran’s mental health issues directly to their military service—something the VA requires for approval. 

The conversation also touches on common misconceptions around Compensation and pension (C&P) exams. These aren’t treatment sessions—they’re evaluations—and understanding what to expect can help veterans feel more confident and prepared. Dr. Williams emphasizes that veterans should be ready to explain how their mental health struggles affect daily life, relationships, and work. 

This interview focuses on preparation, communication, and expert guidance, making it valuable for any veteran filing a mental health claim.

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!