🎖️ VALOR

Marcus Luttrell and Operation Red Wings 

Marcus Luttrell was born on November 7, 1975, in Houston, TX. At just 14, he began training with an Army veteran for the Navy SEALs. Alongside his twin brother, Morgan, and other aspiring special operations candidates, he prepared rigorously for the future. Following graduation from Willis High School, he briefly attended Sam Houston State University, but in 1998, he chose to leave academia behind and enlist in the US Navy. 

Following his decision to pursue a military career, Luttrell enlisted in March 1999. Although he fractured his femur during Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training, he recovered and completed the grueling program in 2000. He then finished SEAL Qualification Training, earning his SEAL Trident in 2001. Further developing his skills, he became a Special Operations Combat Medic. Over eight years, he served with SEAL teams in Iraq and Afghanistan as part of the Global War on Terror. 

Luttrell's career reached a pivotal moment during Operation Red Wings in Afghanistan in June 2005. Serving as part of a four-man SEAL reconnaissance team, he was tasked with locating a Taliban leader.  

Their position discovered, the team soon faced an ambush by Taliban fighters armed with machine guns, rifles, rocket-propelled grenades, and mortars. The battle claimed the lives of three team members, while Luttrell, suffering multiple fractures and shrapnel injuries, was left severely wounded. 

Despite his severe injuries, Luttrell survived the attack and evaded enemy forces before being found by an Afghan villager, Mohammad Gulab, who sheltered and protected him under the Pashtunwali code of hospitality and alerted U.S. forces.  

Luttrell was rescued on July 2, 2005. For his actions during the battle, he received the Navy Cross and Purple Heart.

Honor veterans like Marcus Luttrell and watch more stories on our YouTube channel.

⚖️ EXPERTS

Getting a Radiculopathy VA Disability Rating and Benefits 

Radiculopathy, often called a pinched nerve, can cause pain, numbness, weakness, and reduced mobility. Veterans who develop radiculopathy during military service or whose pre-existing condition worsened because of service may qualify for VA disability compensation. 

How VA Rates Radiculopathy 

VA ratings for radiculopathy typically range from 10% to 90%, depending on symptom severity, nerves affected, and how much the condition limits daily functioning. 

• Mild cases: 10%–20% 

• Moderate cases: 20%–40% 

• Severe cases: 50% or higher 

• Complete paralysis: 60%–90% depending on the nerve involved 

Radiculopathy may affect the cervical (neck), thoracic (mid-back), or lumbar (lower back) regions of the spine. Symptoms often include pain, tingling, numbness, and muscle weakness in the arms or legs. 

Bilateral Radiculopathy 

When radiculopathy affects both sides of the body, VA may apply the bilateral factor, combining ratings for each side to increase compensation. 

Service Connections 

Radiculopathy is frequently connected to other spinal conditions, including: 

• Herniated discs 

• Spinal stenosis 

• Degenerative disc disease 

• Bone spurs 

• Spondylosis 

In many cases, radiculopathy is claimed as a secondary condition, especially when it develops from a service-connected back or neck injury. 

How to Establish Service Connection 

To receive VA disability benefits for radiculopathy, veterans need: 

• A current medical diagnosis identifying the affected nerves. 

• Evidence of an in-service event, injury, or condition affecting the spine. 

• A medical nexus opinion linking the condition to military service. 

VA may require a Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam to evaluate symptoms and severity. 

Appeals and Increasing Benefits 

If VA denies a radiculopathy claim or assigns a lower rating than expected, veterans can appeal through: 

• Higher-Level Review 

• Supplemental Claim with new evidence 

• Board of Veterans’ Appeals 

Veterans whose symptoms prevent them from working may qualify for Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU). Additional compensation may be available through Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) or secondary conditions linked to radiculopathy.

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

🦅SUPPORT

Attention: Join us every Tuesday at 1400 hours EST for Tactical Claims with Hill & Ponton!

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

How Much Money Can Your Family Get From VA Compensation? 

Hill & Ponton attorneys Ursula McCabe and Kerry Baker explain that DIC can include additional payments beyond the basic benefit, depending on the survivor’s situation. 

Surviving spouses may qualify for an enhanced DIC rate if the veteran was rated 100% disabled for 10 years before death and married for at least eight years, increasing DIC by about $250–$300 monthly. 

If the surviving spouse needs help with daily activities, VA may raise the DIC payment. 

Dependent children can increase DIC, and if the spouse dies, eligible children may receive benefits. VA defines dependent children by age, schooling, or need. 

Finally, they note that in rare situations, dependent parents may qualify for DIC, although strict income thresholds apply. They also highlight that families receiving DIC may qualify for education benefits, which can provide meaningful support for surviving children pursuing college or training. 

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!