🎖️ VALOR

Frank Chappell’s Fight for VA Benefits: A Story of Resilience

Vietnam veteran Frank Chappell opens about his long and frustrating battle with the VA benefits system after being diagnosed with PTSD. For years, he faced anxiety, nightmares, and difficulty managing his temper, leading him to seek treatment through the VA. While he was able to get medical help, securing the financial assistance he was owed became a different struggle altogether.   

Despite submitting the required paperwork, his claims were repeatedly denied—a process that dragged on for over a decade. Frustrated but determined, Frank eventually turned to Hill & Ponton, a law firm specializing in veterans’ disability benefits. Their legal expertise cut through the VA’s red tape, helping him finally secure the compensation he deserved. 

Frank speaks highly of the power of professional support, calling out Hill & Ponton’s responsiveness and deep understanding of VA claims. His story reminds us that veterans don’t have to fight these battles alone—with the right help, navigating the system becomes possible, and the benefits they’ve earned can finally be within reach.

⚖️ EXPERTS

Are You Getting the VA Disability Rating You Deserve for Back Pain?

Back pain is one of the most common—and often underrated—service-connected disabilities among veterans. According to the VA, nearly 13 million veterans are service-connected for orthopedic conditions, with back pain ranking among the most frequent complaints. However, many veterans receive lower disability ratings than they deserve.  

The VA’s rating system for spinal conditions is complex, considering range of motion (ROM), severity of symptoms, and secondary conditions. 

The difference between 10% and 50% ratings could mean thousands of dollars in annual compensation.  

Understanding How the VA Rates Back Pain 

The VA determines ratings based on mobility restrictions and functional impact: 

• Thoracolumbar Spine Ratings: 50% for complete immobility, 40% for minimal forward bending, 20% for moderate restrictions, and 10% for mild limitations.  

• Cervical Spine Ratings: 40% for severe neck immobility, 30% for partial fixation, 20% for limited forward tilt, and 10% for moderate restrictions. 

Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (IVDS) and Flare-Ups  

The VA rates IVDS based on incapacitating episodes: 

• 60% for six or more weeks per year 

• 40% for four to six weeks 

• 20% for two to four weeks 

• 10% for at least one but less than two weeks 

 Secondary Conditions That Can Increase Your Rating 

Back pain often leads to additional conditions that may raise your total disability percentage, including:  

• Radiculopathy 

• Shoulder issues 

• Neck problems 

• Hip pain 

• Knee or Foot conditions 

• Depression & Anxiety 

Qualifying for 100% VA Disability 

A 100% rating requires complete spinal immobility. Still, veterans who cannot work due to back pain may qualify for total disability individual unemployability (TDIU). 

If your back pain impacts your daily life or ability to work, you may be eligible for a higher VA rating. Check your benefits now to ensure that you’re receiving what you deserve.

To learn more about VA Disability Rating You Deserve for Back Pain, visit our full article.

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

Maximizing VA Back Pay: Understanding Effective Dates with Stacey Clark & Shelly Mark

Our VA disability attorneys, Stacey Clark and Shelly Mark discuss a key issue that affects how much back pay veterans can receive: effective dates on VA claims. Many veterans don’t realize that the date assigned to their claim can make a huge difference in their benefits, and in some cases, they may be entitled to an earlier effective date—which means more back pay! 

Attorneys Clark and Mark explain how effective dates are determined, when exceptions apply, and how different VA policies—like the AMA—have changed the process. They also dive into specific claim types, including TDIU and surviving spouse claims, showing veterans where they might qualify for an earlier effective date. 

Walking through real examples and key VA regulations gives veterans the tools to identify errors, advocate for themselves, and maximize their benefits.  

The key takeaway is that understanding effective dates is one of the best ways veterans can ensure they get all of the benefits they should.

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!