🎖️ VALOR

How One MST Survivor Turned a Denied VA Claim into a Victory

In this video, Hill & Ponton Attorney Melanie Williams shares the powerful story of a veteran who suffered from military sexual trauma during her service—and was initially denied benefits by the VA due to a lack of evidence. Like many survivors, she faced an uphill battle not only in healing but in proving her trauma to a system that demands documentation most victims never get. 

Her breakthrough came when another service member—abused by the same superior—provided a statement confirming what happened. That corroborating testimony became the turning point in her case.   

With this new evidence, the VA finally acknowledged the connection between her trauma and her PTSD, granting her the benefits she deserved.   

This case reminds us that no veteran should give up after a denial. Melanie Williams highlights how critical peer testimony and persistence can be, especially in MST-related claims. For survivors navigating the VA system, support, legal guidance, and solidarity can make all the difference. 

⚖️ EXPERTS

Migraine VA Ratings: What Veterans Should Know

Migraines can be severely disabling, and for many veterans, they're directly connected to military service. The VA does recognize migraines as a service-connected condition, with disability ratings ranging from 0% to 50% based on frequency, severity, and impact on work. 

How the VA Rates Migraines 

• 50%: Frequent, completely prostrating attacks causing severe economic inadaptability 

• 30%: Prostrating attacks about once per month 

• 10%: Prostrating attacks every two months 

• 0%: Less frequent, non-disabling 

Prostrating means you're forced to lie down and can't function normally. To qualify for the highest rating, veterans must show their migraines significantly impact their ability to work. 

Tips to Strengthen Your Claim 

• Track every migraine: frequency, intensity, and time missed from work 

• Submit medical records and personal statements 

• Link migraines to PTSD, depression, or other service-connected issues 

• Consider pursuing TDIU if your migraines make it difficult or impossible to maintain steady employment—even with a 50% rating. The concept of “economic inadaptability” can open the door to Total Disability benefits when your condition significantly limits your ability to earn a living. 

Case Example 

One veteran went from 30% to 50% by documenting 20 migraines a month, emergency treatments, and the toll on her job. Her evidence showed clear economic inadaptability, a key to getting the highest rating. 

Attorney Insight 

Hill & Ponton attorney Matthew Hill notes that 50% may fall short if migraines make work impossible. He often pushes for TDIU using vocational expert reports to prove unemployability. 

Learn how the VA rates migraines and what it takes to qualify for the highest rating — Read 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

Migraine VA Ratings: What Veterans Should Know 

Hill & Ponton Attorney Melanie Williams sits down with video producer Nate to show how veterans suffering from migraines can navigate the VA disability system more effectively. Migraines aren’t just bad headaches; they can be completely debilitating, affecting a veteran’s ability to work, function, and maintain a regular routine. 

Williams explains that the VA uses the term “prostrating” to describe migraines so severe they force someone to lie down and do nothing else. These cases can qualify for a 50% disability rating—the highest rating for migraines. However, many veterans miss out on proper compensation because they don’t document how often their migraines occur or how much they disrupt daily life. 

The conversation also highlights that migraines may stem from PTSD or depression, meaning they can be filed as secondary conditions. And for those with severe, frequent migraines that interfere with work, TDIU may be an option—even if their percentage rating doesn’t hit 100%. 

Veterans struggling with migraines are encouraged to advocate for themselves during appointments, clearly communicate the real impact of their condition, and maintain detailed medical records. With the proper documentation and legal support, the VA can finally recognize what often feels invisible. 

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!