🎖️ VALOR

Navigating the VA: Al Haslam’s Journey of Resilience and Veteran Advocacy

In this heartfelt video, Marine Corps veteran Al Haslam shares his challenging yet rewarding journey navigating the Veterans Affairs (VA) system to secure his benefits. From 1969 to 1972, Al initially faced significant bureaucratic obstacles. Still, with encouragement from friends and support from Hill and Ponton, he successfully overcame these hurdles, dramatically improving his life. 

Emphasizing camaraderie and community, Al actively helps fellow veterans navigate similar struggles. His experience underscores the value of veteran networks and advocacy, illustrating how service continues beyond active duty through a commitment to supporting others facing similar challenges. 

Al's inspiring story demonstrates the power of perseverance, the necessity of support networks, and the ongoing importance of veterans helping veterans. 

⚖️ EXPERTS

Nerve Damage & VA Ratings

Are You Getting the VA Rating You Deserve for Nerve Damage? 

Nerve damage is a common but complex condition for veterans, often caused by service-related injuries, illnesses, or toxin exposure. The VA’s rating system can significantly impact your benefits, but navigating it isn’t always straightforward. Understanding how the VA classifies and rates nerve conditions can help you maximize your compensation. 

How Does the VA Rate Nerve Damage? 

The VA assigns ratings based on three main categories of nerve damage: 

🦠 Paralysis: Ranges from mild loss of function to complete inability to move the affected body part. 

🔥 Neuritis: Painful nerve inflammation that can cause sensory loss, muscle atrophy, and reflex issues. 

⚡ Neuralgia: Chronic nerve pain and numbness that can limit movement and daily activities. 

📌 Key Factor: Your rating also depends on which nerve is affected—spinal, cranial, or peripheral—and how it impacts your daily function. 

What Can Increase Your VA Rating? 

✅ Bilateral Factor: If nerve damage affects both sides of your body, you should receive a separate rating for each side, plus an additional percentage increase. 

✅ Secondary Conditions: Chronic pain, musculoskeletal issues, depression, and even bladder or bowel dysfunction may be connected to your nerve condition, potentially raising your overall rating. 

✅ TDIU Eligibility: If your nerve damage prevents you from working, you could qualify for Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU), granting 100% compensation even if your combined rating is lower. 

Make Sure You’re Getting the Benefits You Deserve 

Many veterans aren’t receiving the correct rating for their nerve conditions, leaving valuable compensation on the table. 

Not sure if your rating is accurate? The difference between 10% and 60%—or even 100% TDIU—could mean thousands in benefits. 

Read the full article to learn how to ensure your VA rating reflects your true condition and get the benefits 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

The Crucial VA Benefits Advice Veterans Often Overlook

In this informative video, H&P’s Nate talks with attorney Shelly Mark, a specialist in VA benefits law, about effectively navigating the complexities of the VA claims process.  

Drawing on over a decade of experience helping veterans, Shelley emphasizes the importance of timely claim submissions, proper medical documentation, and strategic use of appeal windows to avoid losing essential benefits and effective dates. She highlights common pitfalls veterans face, such as delaying claims or missing appeal deadlines, and explains why prompt action is crucial. 

Shelley provides practical tips, including filing an "intent to file" early to preserve claim dates and ensuring robust medical evidence supports each claim. She also underscores the value of seeking professional advocacy, as expert guidance can significantly enhance the likelihood of successfully obtaining the benefits veterans 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!