Benjamin Lewis Salomon was born on Sep. 1, 1914, in Milwaukee, WI, into a Jewish family. From an early age, he demonstrated the character that would define his life. He earned the rank of Eagle Scout, one of only nine scouts ever to later receive the Medal of Honor. After graduating from Shorewood High School, he attended Marquette University before transferring to the University of Southern California, where he completed both his undergraduate degree and his dental education, graduating from the USC Dental School in 1937. 

He began a dental practice but was drafted into the United States Army in 1940, entering as an infantry private and qualifying as an expert with both the rifle and the pistol. By 1942, he was commissioned as a first lieutenant in the Army Dental Corps, where his commanding officer declared him the unit's best all-around soldier in August of that year, a distinction that spoke to the kind of man he was long before combat ever tested him. These traits would earn him a swift promotion to captain in 1944. 

In June, Salomon landed at Saipan with the 105th Infantry Regiment, 27th Infantry Division. Shortly after arriving, with little dental work required during fighting, he volunteered to replace the battalion's wounded surgeon. On July 7, during one of the Pacific Theater's largest Japanese assaults (estimated at 3,000 to 5,000 soldiers), his aid station was overrun. Salomon fought off enemy soldiers who entered the hospital tent, ordered the wounded to evacuate, and took control of a machine gun to cover their withdrawal, holding his position alone and without hope of survival. 

When Army personnel returned days later, Salomon's body was found draped over the machine gun he had manned. In front of his position, ninety-eight enemy soldiers lay dead, a testament to his fierce stand. Salomon had sustained 76 bullet wounds and many bayonet wounds during his courageous defense. 

Despite his heroic and selfless actions, the road to formal recognition was long. Multiple Medal of Honor recommendations were submitted over the following decades, each returned without action due to procedural objections. It was not until 1998, when a renewed effort was led through Congressman Brad Sherman and supported by the Army Dental Corps, that the process finally moved forward. On May 1, 2002, nearly six decades after his death, then-President George W. Bush presented Salomon's Medal of Honor posthumously.  

His medal now resides permanently in the Army Medical Department Museum in San Antonio, Texas, with a replica displayed at the USC Dental School. 

Captain Benjamin Salomon became a hero when heroism was needed most. He gave his life defending wounded men, displaying extraordinary courage in one of World War II’s most selfless and overlooked acts. 

Honor veterans like Benjamin Salomon and watch more stories on our YouTube channel.

Neck pain is one of the most common service-connected conditions veterans deal with, caused by heavy gear, G-force exposure, vehicle impacts, and years of physical strain on the cervical spine. The damage often develops gradually and can affect movement, concentration, and sleep long after discharge. 

VA rates neck pain based on range of motion loss or, for Intervertebral Disc Syndrome, the frequency of incapacitating episodes. 

VA Ratings for Neck Pain 

Ratings are assigned based on how much movement has been lost: 

For intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) specifically, ratings range from 10% to 60% based on how many weeks of prescribed bed rest were required in the past year. 

How to Service-Connect a Neck Condition 

Veterans must establish three things to qualify for compensation: 

Secondary Conditions That Can Increase Compensation 

Neck pain frequently leads to additional problems that may qualify as separate disabilities, including: 

If Your Claim Is Denied or Underrated 

Veterans can appeal, pursue secondary condition claims, or apply for TDIU if neck pain prevents them from maintaining full-time employment. A detailed medical opinion and strong documentation are essential to building a successful case.

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

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!

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

Most veterans heading into a mental health C&P exam have no idea what the examiner is actually looking for. In this video, Hill & Ponton's video producer, Nate Fleming, sits down with Dr. Alexander Williams, a psychologist and University of Kansas professor who conducts these exams, to walk through the Mental Disorders DBQ so veterans know exactly what to expect before they walk in the door. 

The biggest misconception Dr. Williams sees is veterans fixating on their specific diagnosis. The label matters far less than how the condition is affecting daily life. A veteran who can clearly explain how five symptoms have disrupted their work and relationships will carry more weight with VA than one who lists fifty symptoms without connecting them to real consequences. 

Dr. Williams also breaks down what examiners are required to cover, including personal history before, during, and after service, occupational background, substance use, and legal history. If your examiner is skipping those areas, that is worth flagging. One detail many veterans miss is that if you are only keeping your job because your employer is giving you special accommodations, say so explicitly. That context matters more than most people realize. 

Come in prepared, write things down, and show up as yourself. Don't perform for the exam in either direction. VA needs an accurate picture of your life, and it is your job to make sure they get one. 

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!