Colonel Ralph Puckett Jr., born Dec. 8, 1928, in Tifton, GA, grew up during the Great Depression in a tight-knit community whose resilience and unity shaped the man he would become. After attending Baylor School, a military academy in Chattanooga, TN, he enrolled at Georgia Tech before enlisting in the U.S. Army during World War II. He graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1949. 

From the start, Puckett showed the kind of selflessness that would define his life. When no officer positions were available in his Ranger company, he accepted an enlisted slot several grades below his rank just to serve alongside the men he believed in. His superiors saw something in him and promoted him to company commander. 

On Nov. 25, 1950, during the Battle of Hill 205 in Korea, Puckett and the 8th Army Ranger Company were surrounded by Chinese forces that outnumbered them ten to one. Despite being wounded multiple times by grenade fragments and mortar fire, he refused to stop leading. He rallied his men through wave after wave of enemy assaults and called in artillery dangerously close to their own position to keep them from being overrun.  

When the situation became untenable, Puckett made a decision that revealed the depth of his character: he ordered his men to leave him behind and save themselves. Two soldiers refused. They carried him to safety under small arms fire, unwilling to abandon the leader who had never abandoned them. 

Puckett spent over a year in the hospital recovering. He went on to command the U.S. Army Ranger School's Mountain Ranger Division, two teams in the 10th Special Forces Group, and the 502nd Infantry of the 101st Airborne Division before retiring from active duty in 1971 after 22 years of service. 

After the military, Puckett dedicated himself to developing the next generation of leaders. He served as national programs coordinator for Outward Bound, founded the leadership development program Discovery Inc., and later became executive vice president of MicroBilt Inc. He was an inaugural inductee into the U.S. Army Ranger Hall of Fame in 1992 and served as Honorary Colonel for the 75th Ranger Regiment from 1996 to 2006. 

In 2021, 71 years after Hill 205, President Joe Biden awarded Puckett the Medal of Honor. At the ceremony, President Biden said of him: "He leads from the front, by example, and with heart." 

Puckett passed away on April 8, 2024, at his home in Columbus, GA, from complications of Parkinson's disease. He leaves behind a legacy that few can match, and a reminder of what the Ranger motto truly means: "Rangers lead the way." 

Honor veterans like Colonel Ralph Puckett Jr. and watch more stories on our YouTube channel.

TMJ disorder is more common among veterans than many realize, especially those who experienced facial trauma during service or live with conditions like PTSD that increase jaw tension and clenching. 

VA rates TMJ under a system that considers two main factors: how far a veteran can open their mouth and whether they need to modify the texture of their food. Ratings range from 10% to 50%. 

VA Ratings for TMJ 

Ratings depend on interincisal range (how far the jaw opens) and dietary restrictions: 

Even without measurable range-of-motion loss, VA's painful motion principle may support a minimum 10% rating if jaw movement causes pain. 

How to Service-Connect TMJ 

Like any VA claim, TMJ requires a diagnosis, evidence of an in-service event or connection, and a medical nexus. Imaging, such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs, is typically necessary and serves as key evidence. TMJ is classified as a dental disability, which means veterans with a compensable rating also qualify for VA dental care. 

Conditions Related to TMJ 

TMJ does not always stay isolated. Related conditions that may qualify for secondary claims include: 

The PTSD Connection 

Research has linked PTSD to higher rates of TMJ disorder. Veterans with PTSD may clench their jaw more frequently due to elevated stress, which can damage the joint over time. Veterans who are already service-connected for PTSD may want to consider filing a secondary claim for TMJ. 

If Your Claim Is Denied or Underrated 

Veterans who believe their TMJ rating does not reflect the full impact of their condition can appeal or file for related secondary conditions to increase their overall compensation

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

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!

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

In this video, Hill & Ponton's video producer, Nate Flemming and attorney Rachel Cheek break down how VA rates eczema and what veterans should know before filing a claim. 

Attorney Cheek explains that eczema is a skin condition that causes irritated, dry, and flaky patches. It can flare up and fade in response to stress, environmental factors, and the immune response. For veterans, it often traces back to exposure to chemical irritants, laundry soaps used in service, or other triggers encountered during active duty. 

VA rates eczema under its general rating formula for skin conditions, and the rating depends on two factors: the extent of skin involvement and the type of treatment needed. Topical therapy alone, such as creams and ointments, will not raise a rating above 0%. To achieve higher ratings, VA considers systemic therapy, including oral medications, steroids, light therapy, or immunosuppressive drugs. 

Cheek stresses documenting flare-ups since eczema varies. She advises keeping a symptom diary and photos to reflect true severity. 

Attorney Cheek also noted that eczema on the head, face, or neck is rated differently than on the rest of the body. 

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!