Robert Lewis Howard was born on July 11, 1939, in Opelika, AL, and enlisted in the United States Army in 1956. Over the course of his 36-year military career, he would become one of the most celebrated soldiers in American history. Howard served with distinction in multiple units, including the 101st Airborne Division and the 5th Special Forces Group.  

Still, he gained lasting renown for his work with the highly classified Military Assistance Command, Vietnam–Studies and Observations Group (MACV-SOG) during the Vietnam War. 

Howard's combat record was extraordinary. Between 1967 and 1968, he was nominated for the Medal of Honor three times for individual acts of heroism. The first two nominations resulted in a Silver Star and a Distinguished Service Cross due to the covert nature of operations in Cambodia, but his third nomination proved successful.  

On Dec. 30, 1968, while serving as a Sergeant First Class and second in command of a platoon during a rescue mission, Howard was severely wounded but refused to abandon his men. He crawled through enemy fire, rallied his disorganized platoon into an organized defense, administered first aid to the wounded, and directed their fire for three and a half hours until rescue helicopters could safely extract the team. He learned of his Medal of Honor award over the radio while still under fire, moments after being wounded. 

Howard's sacrifice was immense. He was wounded a total of 14 times during 54 months of combat service, yet remained committed to his duties. In addition to the Medal of Honor, he received eight Purple Hearts, a Distinguished Service Cross, a Silver Star, and four Bronze Stars, making him one of the most decorated service members in United States history. After the war, Howard continued his service, retiring as a full colonel in 1992. 

Robert L. Howard passed away after battling pancreatic cancer on Dec. 23, 2009, in Waco, TX, and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery on February 22, 2010.  

His legacy endures as a testament to courage, leadership, and unwavering devotion to his fellow soldiers. 

Honor veterans like Robert L. Howard and watch more stories on our YouTube channel.

Diabetic neuropathy is a common microvascular complication that develops when prolonged high glucose levels damage the blood vessels supporting nerves. Veterans receiving VA compensation for diabetes may also qualify for disability compensation for conditions secondary to diabetes, including various types of neuropathy. 

Types of Diabetic Neuropathy 

How to Prove Diabetic Neuropathy to VA 

To receive VA disability compensation for diabetic neuropathy as a secondary condition, veterans should: 

Many veterans who are service-connected for diabetes also suffer from peripheral neuropathy; however, they have never been formally diagnosed with this condition. 

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 before the Livestream starts, 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

If you've developed peripheral neuropathy following cancer treatment, you may be eligible for VA disability benefits as a secondary service-connected condition. In this video, Hill & Ponton attorneys Allison Reddick and Rachel Cheek break down how chemotherapy and radiation cause nerve damage, which cancers are commonly associated with these treatments, and how veterans can successfully claim this overlooked secondary condition. 

Attorney Reddick explains that chemotherapy and radiation used to treat cancer frequently cause peripheral neuropathy as a side effect, resulting in numbness, tingling, and progressive pain in the extremities. Cancers commonly treated with radiation include prostate, head and neck, breast, cervical, and eye cancers, while chemotherapy is frequently used for lung, breast, and ovarian cancers.

Attorney Cheek notes that peripheral neuropathy secondary to cancer treatment is often overlooked by VA regional offices because it's not commonly claimed. Most veterans need an independent medical opinion and often must appeal to VA Board for approval. 

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!