🎖️ VALOR

How Vietnam Veteran Rick Decarlo Secured the VA Benefits He Deserved for Melanoma, PTSD, and Tinnitus  

In this powerful account, Vietnam veteran Rick DeCarlo reflects on his hard-fought journey to secure the VA benefits he earned through service and the serious health consequences he continues to endure today. From 1970 to 1971, DeCarlo was exposed to burn pits during his Air Force deployment in Vietnam, a risk that went unrecognized for decades. Years later, he was diagnosed with stage 4 malignant melanoma. Yet, his initial VA disability claim related to Agent Orange was denied. 

It wasn’t until the PACT Act expanded eligibility in 2022 that DeCarlo’s case saw a turning point. With support from his local Veteran Service Officer in Lake County and legal representation from Hill & Ponton attorney Shelley Mark and case manager Stephanie Solner, DeCarlo successfully appealed and began receiving benefits. His monthly compensation increased significantly, from $1908 to $4,044.91, as his case was reevaluated and ultimately recognized as a total and permanent disability. 

DeCarlo credits the outcome to persistence, a strong legal team, and staying on top of medical appointments and documentation. He highlights how clear communication, expert guidance, and the trust built through veteran-focused outreach, like the Hill & Ponton podcast he heard while visiting the VSO’s office, helped him overcome years of frustration.  

Hearing the podcast gave him confidence that he was in the right place and that the team supporting him truly understood what veterans face. 

“For a VA organization to be playing a podcast from Hill & Ponton speaks volumes,” Decarlo said. 

For other veterans navigating the VA system, DeCarlo’s story is both a warning and a beacon. Initial denials aren’t the end of the road. With changing laws, knowledgeable advocates, and refusing to give up, justice is possible even if it takes time. 

⚖️ EXPERTS

PTSD or Depression? Why the Distinction Matters for Your VA Claim 

PTSD vs. Depression: Understanding the Differences for Veterans Seeking VA Benefits 

Many veterans experience lasting mental health challenges after service, with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) being two of the most common. Though they can appear similar, these conditions are distinct and require different approaches for diagnosis, treatment, and VA disability claims. 

What Is Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)? 

MDD is a persistent mood disorder characterized by ongoing sadness, hopelessness, fatigue, and disinterest in daily activities. Unlike temporary feelings of sadness, MDD can interfere with sleep, appetite, concentration, and overall functioning. For veterans, service-related stress, injury, or isolation may contribute to the development of MDD, even long after discharge. 

What Is PTSD? 

PTSD is a trauma-related disorder triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Veterans may relive these events through flashbacks, nightmares, or intrusive thoughts. PTSD can also cause emotional numbness, hypervigilance, and avoidance of anything that reminds them of the trauma. While commonly associated with combat, PTSD can also result from non-combat military experiences. 

Shared Symptoms 

MDD and PTSD can overlap, with shared symptoms including: 

• Sleep problems 

• Irritability 

• Emotional detachment 

• Loss of interest in activities 

This overlap can make it difficult to distinguish between the two without a proper diagnosis. 

Key Differences for Veterans 

• MDD often arises from long-term emotional distress not tied to a single event. 

• PTSD is directly linked to a specific traumatic incident or series of events. 

• PTSD symptoms often involve flashbacks and triggers, while MDD tends to be more constant and internal. 

It is also possible to have both conditions, and treating one without addressing the other may leave key symptoms unaddressed. 

Establishing a Service Connection 

To qualify for VA benefits, veterans must show a service connection for MDD, PTSD, or both. This includes: 

• Medical documentation 

• A formal diagnosis from a licensed provider 

• Statements from fellow service members or family 

• Records linking symptoms to service-related events 

VA Ratings and Pyramiding 

The VA generally assigns one disability rating for mental health conditions to avoid "pyramiding," or compensating the same symptoms twice. However, if symptoms of both MDD and PTSD are clearly distinguishable and both are service-connected, the VA may assign a combined rating with the higher of the two evaluations.  

For example, if a veteran has both PTSD and MDD, with PTSD rated at 70% and MDD at 50%, the VA would assign a combined rating of 70% for PTSD with MDD: the higher of the two. 

Treatment and Resources 

Both MDD and PTSD are treatable. Common options include: 

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) 

• EMDR for trauma 

• Medication for symptom management 

Veterans can seek care through VA Medical Centers, Vet Centers, or specialized PTSD programs.

Get Help with Your VA Claim 

Whether you're filing for MDD, PTSD, or both, having strong evidence and legal support can improve your chances of success. Hill & Ponton's experienced legal team can help if your claim has been denied or underrated. Contact us today 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

Breaking Down Knee Flexion: What Veterans Need to Know About VA Disability Claims 

In this discussion, Hill & Ponton video producer Nate Flemming and attorney Rachel Cheek unpack a condition that affects countless veterans: limited knee flexion. At first glance, it might sound technical, but this simple measure (how far your knee can bend) can significantly impact everyday life, from walking and climbing stairs to just getting comfortable in a chair.  

Attorney Cheek explains that knee flexion is only one piece of the puzzle. Veterans can receive separate VA ratings for other knee-related issues like instability, meniscus tears, and limited extension. These problems don’t always come from a single injury. Years of physically demanding service can wear down the joints over time. Attorney Cheek reminds veterans that even without a specific incident in their file, they may still be eligible for compensation.    

They also cover what makes a claim stronger: clear medical records, a solid service history, and detailed lay statements from people who’ve seen how knee problems affect your daily life. Too often, veterans downplay their pain or limitations, which can lead to inaccurate evaluations during VA exams.  

If you’re filing a knee-related claim, don’t stop at just one rating or one diagnosis. The more you understand how the VA assesses knee conditions, and the more evidence you can provide, the better your chances of getting the full benefits you’ve earned. 

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!