🎖️ VALOR

Stephanie Ahumada’s Story: Breaking Through the VA Benefits Maze

In this video, Navy veteran Stephanie Ahumada opens up about her long battle with the VA benefits system—and how she finally got the support she deserved. For eight years, she lived with chronic pain, accepting minimal compensation simply because she didn't realize she was undercompensated. Like many veterans, she struggled with the complexity of the VA process and the specific language needed to get claims approved.

It wasn't until a family member connected her with Hill and Pont that everything changed. With the proper legal guidance, she finally secured the compensation she should have received.

Stephanie's story is an important one for veterans who don't realize how much they're leaving on the table. She wants others to know they don't have to accept less than they’ve earned just because the system is complicated and creates hurdles.

Help is out there, and it can make all the difference.

⚖️ EXPERTS

Are You Getting the VA Disability Rating You Deserve for Hearing Loss?

Hearing loss is one of the most common disabilities among veterans, affecting millions—especially those exposed to gunfire, explosions, and loud military equipment. Tinnitus and hearing loss are at the top of the VA’s list of service-connected conditions. Yet, many veterans don’t realize they qualify for benefits. 

How to Get Hearing Loss Service-Connected 

To get VA disability for hearing loss, you’ll need to show three things: 

• A current diagnosis of hearing loss 

• Proof of an in-service event that caused or contributed to it 

• A medical nexus linking your hearing loss to your service 

If you’ve also been diagnosed with tinnitus (ringing in the ears), you may qualify for a separate disability rating in addition to your hearing loss rating. 

How the VA Rates Hearing Loss  

The VA assigns disability ratings based on how severe your hearing loss is—but here’s the catch: they rely on specific hearing tests to determine your rating. Your puretone audiometry scores and speech discrimination test results will be plugged into a VA chart, which then decides your final percentage. 

Can You Increase Your VA Hearing Loss Rating? 

Getting a higher rating based on test results alone is tough, but you’re not out of options. Veterans can submit lay statements from family and friends explaining how hearing loss impacts daily life—struggling to listen to conversations, turning the TV volume up, or missing essential sounds—the more evidence, the stronger your case. 

Types of Hearing Loss & Common Symptoms 

There are three main types of hearing loss: 

• Conductive: Affects the outer or middle ear, blocking sound from getting through 

• Sensorineural: Inner ear damage, often caused by loud noise exposure 

• Mixed: A combination of both 

Common signs of hearing loss include: 

• Trouble understanding speech, especially in crowds 

• Muffled sounds or difficulty hearing consonants 

• Constantly asking people to repeat themselves 

• Turning the volume up on the TV or radio 

• Avoiding conversations or social settings 

What Causes Hearing Loss? 

• Noise exposure: Repeated exposure to gunfire, aircraft, or explosions 

• Earwax buildup: Blocking sound waves from reaching the inner ear 

• Infections or abnormal growths: Affecting the middle or outer ear 

• Eardrum damage: Loud blasts, sudden pressure changes, or injuries 

What Hearing Tests Do You Need for a VA Claim? 

To qualify for VA benefits, you’ll need an exam from a licensed audiologist, including: 

• Maryland CNC Test – A 50-word speech recognition test measuring how well you understand spoken words 

• Puretone Audiometry Test – A test that determines how well you hear different sound frequencies 

Hearing Loss vs. Tinnitus: Can You Get Rated for Both? 

Tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ears) often goes hand-in-hand with hearing loss, especially for veterans exposed to constant loud noise in service. The good news? The VA assigns separate ratings for tinnitus and hearing loss, meaning you could qualify for additional compensation. 

If hearing loss is affecting your daily life, don’t assume your rating is set in stone.  

Use our Hearing Disability Calculator to check your potential benefits and ensure you’re getting the compensation you deserve.

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

Understanding VA Hearing Loss Ratings: Stacy Clark’s Breakdown

In this video, VA disability attorney Stacy Clark walks veterans through the complex process of determining hearing loss disability ratings using audiology exam reports. Many veterans struggle to get an accurate rating simply because they don’t know how the VA evaluates pure tone audiometry (audiograms) and speech discrimination tests—Attorney Clark breaks it down in simple terms. 

She explains how hearing tests play a key role in the VA’s decision-making, focusing on specific sound frequencies—especially at 3,000 Hertz, which can affect a veteran’s disability rating. Attorney Clark also explains how to calculate an average hearing loss score using four key frequencies (1,000, 2,000, 3,000, and 4,000 Hertz). Finally, she walks veterans through the VA’s official rating charts (Tables 6 and 7 from 38 CFR 4.85), showing how to use them to determine their disability compensation level.  

For cases where standard speech discrimination scores don’t apply, she highlights Table 6A as an alternative method. 

To make the process easier, she introduces Hill and Ponton’s disability calculator, which helps veterans determine their ratings without manually navigating the VA’s complex guidelines.  

Her goal? To empower veterans with the knowledge they need to secure the benefits they 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!