🎖️ VALOR

Hal Moore’s Leadeship at Ia Drăng 

Harold G. Moore was born in Bardstown, KY, in 1922. At seventeen, he left home determined to reach West Point, moving to Washington, D.C., to continue his education and pursue an appointment to the U.S. Military Academy.

By his later account, when he was offered an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy instead, Moore secured a congressional exchange to obtain the West Point appointment he wanted. He graduated in 1945 and chose the infantry, aligning his career with the branch he intended to serve.

His early assignments (jump school, the 82nd Airborne Division, and combat leadership in Korea as a rifle company commander) were demanding and formative. Later, as an instructor at West Point, he taught cadets, including future general Norman Schwarzkopf, who credited Moore as an influence in his decision to choose the infantry.

Moore’s most recognized combat leadership came in Vietnam. In November 1965, he commanded the 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry at the Battle of Ia Drăng, the first significant engagement between U.S. forces and the North Vietnamese Army. Facing superior numbers and periods of encirclement, he maintained cohesion under intense fire. Wounded during the battle, he later attempted to return his Purple Heart, believing the injury too minor to merit the award. The Army declined, and he did not wear it.

Moore received the Distinguished Service Cross for Ia Drăng and carried forward a simple standard: there is always one more action you can take to improve the odds. That approach shaped his later leadership roles, including efforts to address discipline and training challenges as the Army transitioned away from the draft.

He retired in 1977 after 32 years of service. In 1992, he and journalist Joe Galloway co-authored We Were Soldiers Once… And Young, a widely read account of Ia Drăng was later adapted into a 2002 film starring Mel Gibson. Moore passed away on Feb. 10, 2017, three days before his 95th birthday, and was buried at Fort Benning with full military honors beside his wife of 55 years.

Honor veterans like Hal Moore and watch more stories on our YouTube channel.

⚖️ EXPERTS

VA Ratings for Heart Disease: Understanding What’s Covered 

Heart disease can significantly impact a veteran’s quality of life, and VA recognizes many heart conditions for disability compensation. Even if a specific diagnosis is not listed, benefits may still be available if the condition can be service-connected. 

Common VA-Recognized Heart Conditions 

VA commonly grants ratings for: 

• Coronary artery disease (ischemic heart disease). 

• Hypertension. 

• Heart arrhythmias. 

• Heart murmurs. 

• Cardiomyopathy. 

• Aortic stenosis. 

• Congestive heart failure. 

• Residuals of heart surgery. 

Additional recognized conditions include angina, arteriosclerosis, endocarditis, myocarditis, pericarditis, valvular heart disease, and ventricular arrhythmias. Some conditions, including ischemic heart disease and hypertension, may be considered presumptive. 

How VA Rates Heart Disease 

VA assigns ratings from 0% to 100% primarily based on METs (Metabolic Equivalent of Task), which measure how much activity triggers symptoms like shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, dizziness, or fainting. 

• 100%: Chronic congestive heart failure, METs of 3 or less 

• 60%: Multiple CHF episodes in a year, METs of 4–5 

• 30%: METs of 6–7 or evidence of cardiac enlargement. 

• 10%: METs of 8–10 or continuous medication required. 

TDIU and Increasing Ratings 

Veterans unable to work due to heart disease may qualify for TDIU, which pays at the 100% rate. Secondary conditions such as anxiety disorders, PTSD, or obstructive sleep apnea may also increase overall compensation.

If a heart condition is denied or underrated, submitting detailed medical evidence and appealing the decision may lead to a higher rating.

If you’re facing challenges with your claim and need assistance, reach out for a free case evaluation.

🦅SUPPORT

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This weekly livestream goes beyond Q&A. In addition to answering your questions about VA disability law and the claims process, our legal team now features more information about the claims process than ever before. Comments open 1 hour 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 Asbestos During Military Service?

Many U.S. veterans were exposed to asbestos during their time in service, often without knowing the risks. Years later, this exposure has led to mesothelioma and other asbestos-related lung cancers for countless veterans.

If you served in the military and have been diagnosed, you may qualify for compensation. Our firm proudly helps veterans and their families pursue the benefits and justice they deserve.

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

The Reality of VA Disability for Heart Disease 

In this short video, Hill & Ponton attorney Allison Reddick explains how veterans can establish service connection for ischemic heart disease, also known as coronary artery disease. 

She begins by defining the condition as reduced blood flow and oxygen to the heart due to plaque buildup in the arteries. In medical records, it may appear as coronary artery disease or atherosclerosis rather than “ischemic heart disease.” 

Attorney Reddick outlines three primary paths to service connection: 

• Direct service connection when service treatment records show heart-related symptoms, such as chest pain or hypertension, during service. 

• Presumptive service connection, available to veterans who served in qualifying locations, including Vietnam, Thailand, Guam, certain areas near the Korean DMZ, and Blue Water Navy service, under expansions such as the PACT Act. 

• Secondary service connection occurs when a service-connected condition causes or contributes to heart disease. Common examples include hypertension and diabetes, and she also notes obstructive sleep apnea and obesity as potential contributing factors in some instances. 

She concludes by noting that related conditions such as heart attacks and certain forms of angina may fall under the broader umbrella of ischemic heart disease, even if the exact term is not used in the record. 

Overall, she wants veterans to understand that they should review their medical records carefully and consider all possible avenues when pursuing service connection.  

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!