🎖️ VALOR

The Heart of a Hero: The Story of Combat Medic Joshua Hart

In this Story of Valor, we’re honored to feature one of our very own — Amanda Hart — who shares the powerful story of her husband, Joshua Hart. A U.S. Army combat medic and Iraq War veteran, Joshua’s courage extends far beyond the battlefield.

Joshua Hart isn’t just a veteran; he’s the heart of our family. A man who wore the uniform with pride, who ran toward the sound of danger instead of away from it, and who continues to fight quiet battles every day. 

Joshua served as a combat medic, saving lives in some of the most dangerous, chaotic moments imaginable. He was stationed in Iraq. 

There was an explosion that changed his life forever. He hit his head hard, an injury that stays with him through crippling migraines and memory loss. He suffers from back pain that makes his day to day painful. But you’ll never hear him complain. Joshua gets up every day and keeps going, for his family, and for himself. 

After his time in uniform, he continued to serve as a private military contractor for the U.S. Embassy in Afghanistan. 

Now, he’s home for good. He’s a full-time IOS developer, husband, and the proud father of four incredible daughters and one strong, kind-hearted son. He is what holds us all together. 

Joshua doesn’t talk much about what he’s been through. But he is a Hero.  

And we are endlessly proud of him. 

Honor veterans like Joshua Hart and watch more stories on our YouTube channel.

⚖️ EXPERTS

The Power of Buddy Statements in VA Disability Claims

A well-written buddy statement can sometimes be the difference between a denied and a successful claim. In fact, for many veterans, it may be the only evidence available to confirm an in-service event or injury beyond their own testimony. These statements capture firsthand experiences and observations, offering a clear picture of both what happened and how the disability continues to affect daily life. 

Why Buddy Statements Matter 

Under the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000, VA must consider lay evidence such as buddy statements. They can come from fellow service members, spouses, family members, friends, or even former employers and coworkers. Submitted on the new VA Form 21-10210 (but VA Form 21-4138 can still be used) or through a notarized affidavit, these statements often fill the gaps left by missing, destroyed, or incomplete records, making them a powerful part of any claim. 

How Buddy Statements Strengthen a Claim 

• Provide evidence when service or medical records are unavailable. 

• Corroborate in-service events like combat incidents, accidents, or hazardous exposure. 

• Document behavioral or functional changes, such as PTSD symptoms, noticed by loved ones. 

• Show the impact of a disability on daily activities or job performance. 

Types of Buddy Statements 

• Service-Connection Claims: Best supported by fellow service members who witnessed the incident that caused the disability. 

• Increased Rating Claims: Typically from family or friends, highlighting worsening symptoms and their effect on everyday life. 

• Workplace Impact: From employers or coworkers, describing limitations, accommodations, or challenges in the workplace. 

How to Write a Strong Buddy Statement 

• Clearly state your relationship with the veteran and how long you’ve known them. 

• Include detailed observations about the incident or the veteran’s current condition. 

• Stick to facts you know to be true. 

• Sign and date the statement, certifying its accuracy. 

Buddy Statements in Perspective 

While they cannot replace a medical opinion, buddy statements bring the veteran’s story to life in a way that records alone often cannot. Filling in the blanks and adding a human perspective, they help ensure VA fully understands the scope of a veteran’s disability and its impact. Done well, they can tip the balance in favor of an approved claim.

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 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 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?

In this video, Hill & Ponton attorney Ursula Mecabe and senior appellate counsel Kerry Baker respond to a veteran’s question about Dependency and Indemnity Compensation  

(DIC) payments for surviving spouses. 

They clarify that the basic DIC payment is just the starting point. Attorney Mecabe explains that enhanced rates are available if the veteran was rated 100% disabled for at least 10 years, or if the surviving spouse qualifies for Aid and Attendance due to needing help with daily activities. Counsel Baker adds that surviving spouses with dependent children can receive increased payments, which extend to minors, college-age children up to 23, and helpless children regardless of age.

The response also touches on benefits for dependent parents. They note that these are harder to qualify for, since parents must meet strict income thresholds to be considered dependents. They further discuss substitution, where dependent children or parents may continue a claim if the surviving spouse passes away during the process, ensuring benefits are not lost.

They also highlight how DIC compensation for dependent children is higher than typical dependent benefits paid to veterans, recognizing the greater financial strain after a veteran’s death. Both stress the value of education benefits tied to 100% permanent and total disability ratings, which can extend to children and, in some cases, be applied retroactively.

They close by emphasizing the essential need to understand the layered structure of DIC benefits. Surviving families can maximize financial support by pursuing enhanced rates, Aid and Attendance, and education benefits while safeguarding continuity through substitution provisions.

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!