🎖️ VALOR

Remembering Lt. Michael P. Murphy 

Michael Patrick Murphy was born on May 7, 1976, in Smithtown, NY, and grew up in Patchogue. NY. As a child, he was known for looking out for others. He played sports, worked as a lifeguard, and graduated from Penn State in 1998 with degrees in political science and psychology. 

After college, Murphy joined the US Navy through Officer Candidate School. He completed BUD/S training, earned his SEAL Trident, and became part of SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team ONE. He served on several deployments during the War on Terror and, in 2005, led Alpha Platoon in Afghanistan. 

Murphy is best known for his actions during Operation Red Wings in Kunar Province, Afghanistan. He led a four-man SEAL reconnaissance team that was discovered and attacked by a much larger Taliban force.  

When his team was badly wounded and could not get a signal, Murphy stepped into open ground under enemy fire to call for help. He gave their position and asked for support, then kept fighting until he was mortally wounded on June 28, 2005. 

Murphy received the Medal of Honor after his death, making him the first US Navy member to earn it since the Vietnam War. His legacy lives on through memorials, the destroyer USS Michael Murphy, and the popular “Murph Challenge” workout held worldwide in his honor. 

Honor veterans like Michael Patrick Murphy and watch more stories on our YouTube channel.

⚖️ EXPERTS

Tinnitus and VA Disability Ratings 

Tinnitus, often described as ringing or buzzing in the ears with no external source, is the most common service-connected disability among veterans, affecting more than 3.2 million veterans receiving VA benefits. 

VA Rating for Tinnitus 

VA assigns a single maximum rating of 10% for tinnitus under Diagnostic Code 6260. This rating applies regardless of severity or whether one or both ears are affected, meaning tinnitus alone cannot be rated higher than 10%. 

Is Tinnitus a Presumptive Condition? 

Tinnitus itself is not a presumptive VA disability. However, it may be linked to other presumptive conditions, particularly those related to toxic exposures under the PACT Act, such as respiratory diseases, cancers, hypertension, or inflammatory conditions that affect hearing or ear pressure. 

How to Service-Connect Tinnitus 

To receive VA disability for tinnitus, veterans must provide: 

• A current tinnitus diagnosis from a medical provider. 

• Evidence of an in-service event (such as noise exposure or injury). 

• A nexus opinion linking tinnitus to military service. 

Supporting evidence like medical records, lay statements, and consistent symptom reports can strengthen a claim. 

Secondary Conditions That Can Increase VA Compensation 

Although tinnitus itself is capped at 10%, veterans can increase their overall combined disability rating by linking tinnitus to related conditions, including: 

• Hearing loss. 

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI). 

• Anxiety, depression, or PTSD. 

• Meniere’s disease. 

• Hypertension. 

• Sleep disorders such as insomnia or sleep apnea. 

• Migraines. 

• Chronic fatigue syndrome. 

• Bruxism (teeth grinding). 

TDIU and 100% Ratings 

A 100% rating for tinnitus alone is not possible, but veterans may qualify for Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) if tinnitus combined with other conditions prevents them from maintaining substantially gainful employment. 

If Your Claim Is Denied 

Veterans can challenge a denial by: 

• Filing a Notice of Disagreement within one year. 

• Requesting a Higher-Level Review. 

• Submitting a Supplemental Claim with new evidence. 

Providing strong medical documentation and consistent reports of symptoms can significantly improve the chances of a successful appeal.

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

What's Hiding in Your VA Benefits Letter You Need to Know? 

Hill & Ponton attorneys Stacey Clark and Allison Reddick point out that VA notice letters are often inconsistent and confusing, especially about response deadlines. Some letters give a clear deadline, but others do not.  

Veterans should read each letter carefully and not assume the instructions are always complete or correct. 

They note that requests for evidence, such as medical records or authorization forms, often mention a 30-day window, but VA may still review a response submitted later if no decision has been made yet.  

They also stress that if a veteran has already sent the requested evidence, it is often smart to respond anyway and ask VA to move forward rather than wait unnecessarily. 

Attorneys Clark and Reddick also explain that VA sometimes sends letters requesting information that is unnecessary, irrelevant, or even incorrect. Their main advice is for veterans to read every VA letter carefully and get professional help if anything is unclear. 

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!