🎖️ VALOR

How One Veteran Overcame VA Claim Challenges with the Right Support: Malcolm Harrison

This week, we’re sharing the inspiring journey of U.S. Air Force veteran Malcolm Harrison, who took on the VA’s complicated benefits system and won. Serving in law enforcement K9 from 1984 to 1992, Malcolm faced overwhelming paperwork, confusing claims processes, and missed deadlines that made securing his earned benefits feel impossible.  

Unsure of where to turn, he took matters into his own hands, searching for resources to guide him through the process. That’s when he discovered Hill & Ponton’s educational videos—giving him the clarity he needed to take the next steps. 

With the guidance and legal expertise of Hill & Ponton, Malcolm was finally able to navigate the VA’s complex system and secure the benefits he had previously struggled to obtain. His experience highlights the importance of self-education, seeking professional help, and staying proactive with deadlines. Now, Malcolm actively recommends Hill & Ponton to fellow veterans. 

His story is a reminder that while the VA system can be challenging, veterans don’t have to go through it alone. With the proper support, success is possible. 

⚖️ EXPERTS

Maximizing Your VA Benefits for Burn Pit & Herbicide Exposure Under the PACT Act

Burn Pit & Herbicide Exposure: Are You Missing Out on VA Benefits? 

For years, veterans exposed to burn pits and herbicides like Agent Orange have battled severe health conditions—and the VA’s resistance to recognizing them. However, with the PACT Act, more illnesses are now considered presumptive.  

You don’t have to prove a direct service connection—just that you served in an eligible location and have a qualifying diagnosis. The question is: Are you getting the benefits you rightfully deserve? 

How Does the VA Rate Burn Pit & Herbicide Exposure Claims?  

The severity of your symptoms determines your VA rating. The process should be much easier if your condition is on the VA’s presumptive list.  

Here’s a breakdown of the most common conditions linked to toxic exposure: 

🔥 Respiratory Diseases: Chronic bronchitis, asthma, COPD, pulmonary fibrosis. 

⚡ Cancers: Lung, kidney, pancreatic, lymphoma, leukemia, and  others. 

🩺 Cardiovascular & Neurological Conditions: Hypertension, chronic migraines, sleep apnea. 

🌿 Agent Orange Exposure: Parkinson’s disease, prostate cancer, bladder cancer, MGUS, and hypertension. 

📌 Key Insight: If your illness qualifies, you may be eligible for significant compensation—but many veterans don’t realize how much their ratings can be increased based on symptom severity. 

How to Maximize Your VA Rating 

✅ Leverage the PACT Act: The VA has finally acknowledged 33+ presumptive conditions—but many veterans haven’t updated their claims to reflect these new rules. 

✅ Claim Secondary Conditions: Toxic exposure doesn’t just cause one problem—it leads to a domino effect of health issues. PTSD, chronic pain, and autoimmune disorders may increase your total disability rating. 

✅ Push for TDIU: If your exposure-related condition prevents you from working, you could qualify for Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU)—meaning 100% compensation, even if your combined rating is lower. 

Don’t Leave Benefits on the Table 

The VA denied thousands of claims for years due to a lack of “sufficient evidence.” Now, the rules have changed. If you were previously denied for a burn pit or herbicide-related condition, you need to file a supplemental claim—because you may now qualify under the PACT Act. 

Is your claim rated correctly? The difference between a low rating and 100% TDIU could mean thousands in compensation—or the difference between struggling and having the financial security you deserve. 

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

🦅SUPPORT

Attention: Join us today 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 30 minutes 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 “Forever Chemicals” in Your Water Supply?

PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals,” are synthetic substances widely used in firefighting foams, water-resistant products, and industrial applications. These chemicals have been found in dangerously high concentrations in some water supplies, including on or near military bases. Learn if your military base was impacted using our Toxic Exposure Map.

Exposure to PFAS has been linked to severe health conditions, such as:

• Testicular Cancer

• Kidney Cancer

• Ulcerative Colitis

• Liver Cancer

If you or a loved one lived or worked in areas with PFAS contamination and have been diagnosed with any of these conditions, you may qualify for compensation.

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

Navigating the PACT Act: What Veterans Need to Know About New Presumptive Conditions 

In this video, attorney Allison Reddick and VA-accredited agent and Marine Corps veteran Kerry Baker break down the latest updates to the PACT Act, specifically focusing on new presumptive conditions linked to burn pits and toxic substance exposure.  

They highlight key diseases now recognized for VA benefits, including various cancers and respiratory conditions, while addressing how and when these benefits will be activated.  

The discussion also focuses on the complexity of VA claims and why veterans need to stay informed about these new changes. Reddick and Baker stress that while the PACT Act expands benefits, the claims process remains complicated, making professional guidance more critical than ever.  

They urge veterans to track their eligibility, understand filing timelines, and seek advocacy when needed. As the VA rolls out these changes, staying proactive will ensure veterans receive the support they deserve. 

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!