🎖️ VALOR

“They Treated Me Like a Friend”: How One Navy Veteran Won His VA Claim After Years of Struggle 

A Navy veteran who struggled for recognition of his service-connected illnesses finally secured VA disability benefits after partnering with legal advocates who understood the system’s complexity and fought for him. 

In a conversation with Hill & Ponton video producer Nate Flemming, Mark Jordan served in the U.S. Navy from 1974 to 1979, working as a structural mechanic, plane captain, and corrosion control specialist aboard an aircraft carrier. Decades after discharge, he was diagnosed with multiple myeloma and prostate cancer: two serious conditions he believes are tied to his time in service. But when he tried filing a VA claim on his own, he ran into the same roadblocks many veterans face: tight deadlines, dense paperwork, and a lack of clear guidance. 

After an initial denial and frustrating attempts to navigate the process solo, Jordan turned to Hill & Ponton. He credits their deep expertise, consistent communication, and personal approach for turning his claim around. What stood out most was how the firm treated him, not as a case number, but as a friend, offering the kind of respect and responsiveness that’s often missing from bureaucratic systems. 

Jordan also reflected on his identity outside of the military, sharing how his lifelong love for the Chicago Cubs has helped him stay grounded through life’s toughest innings. In his words, persistence on the field or in the VA claims process, is everything. 

"Hill & Ponton—all they do is take on cases, help veterans get their cases figured out, and win," Jordan proclaims near the end of the interview. 

For veterans facing long-delayed health issues and struggling with VA red tape, Jordan’s story is a reminder that the right legal help can make all the difference. He urges others not to give up, and to work with advocates who truly understand how to build a winning case. 

⚖️ EXPERTS

VA Disability for Heart Conditions: Understanding Ratings, Presumptives, and How to Get the Support You Need 

Heart disease is one of the leading health challenges affecting veterans, and the VA recognizes a broad range of heart-related conditions for disability compensation. From coronary artery disease to hypertension and heart failure, veterans may qualify for monthly benefits if their condition is service-connected or considered presumptive.

Common Heart Conditions the VA Covers

The VA provides ratings for various heart diseases, including:

• Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) and Ischemic Heart Disease (IHD)

• Hypertension (high blood pressure)

• Heart Arrhythmias (like tachycardia or requiring a pacemaker)

• Heart Murmurs

• Cardiomyopathy

• Aortic Stenosis

• Congestive Heart Failure

Other less common but recognized conditions include myocarditis, endocarditis, valvular heart disease, and ventricular arrhythmias.

How the VA Rates Heart Disease

The VA uses METs (Metabolic Equivalent of Task) to measure exertion levels that trigger symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, or chest pain. Lower METs scores mean higher disability ratings.

• 100%: METs score of 3 or lower, or severe congestive heart failure

• 60%: METs 4–5, or two episodes of heart failure in the past year

• 30%: METs 6–7, symptoms during moderate activity

• 10%: METs 8–10, symptoms during strenuous activity or on continuous medication

Presumptive Conditions

Veterans exposed to Agent Orange or other toxins may qualify more easily under presumptive service connection rules. Conditions like ischemic heart disease, cardiomyopathy, and hypertension are on this list.

Getting a 100% Rating or TDIU

Even if a condition doesn't meet the 100% threshold, veterans may still qualify for Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) if their heart disease prevents them from maintaining employment. This requires submitting VA Form 21-8940 and providing strong medical and work history evidence.

Secondary Conditions

Heart disease may also be connected to other service-related conditions like PTSD, anxiety, or sleep apnea, which can further increase your overall rating.

Example of a Rating Increase

One veteran with a 30% rating for IHD successfully appealed and won a 60% rating after submitting echocardiogram results and providing a stress test that indicated a >3-5 METs. Thorough medical documentation made all the difference.

Need Help Appealing or Filing?

Heart conditions are serious, and navigating the VA claims process can be overwhelming. For guidance on how to file, appeal, or secure the right rating for your condition, contact Hill & Ponton for a free case evaluation.

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

Breaking Down VA Claims Like a Puzzle and Offering a Path Forward 

In a conversation between Flemming and Hill & Ponton attorney Rachel Cheek, the two discuss insights into how veterans can strengthen their claims, especially regarding complex cases that involve mental health, aid and attendance, and delated conditions. 

Attorney Cheek also reflects on her journey into veteran’s law and cites that in her many years serving veterans, she finds that many claims are like solving a puzzle, where every piece of evidence, from personal statements to medical records, helps to solve the puzzle. 

Attorney Cheek emphasizes the importance of statements not just from veterans, but also from family, friends, and caregivers. These accounts, as she explains, often reveal the day-to-day struggles that don’t always appear in medical files: particularly in cases involving PTSD, depression, or cognitive decline. Attorney Cheek also notes that even if an injury or condition was never documented during service, it’s still possible to secure benefits years or even decades later, as long as the right supporting evidence is submitted. 

While many veterans aim for a 100% disability rating, Attorney Cheek highlights that some with severe impairments may qualify for additional compensation under the VA’s special monthly compensation (SMC) program, especially those who require help with daily living tasks or have multiple complex disabilities.  

“Don’t try to do it alone”, she advises. “The VA system is tough to navigate, but you don’t have to be stuck. Legal help can make a real difference.” 

Ultimately, attorney Cheek reinforces the point that veterans should not be discouraged by delays, denials, or bureaucratic red tape. With the right guidance and a complete, evidence-backed claim, many veterans can secure the benefits they’ve earned, even if it’s been a long time coming. 

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!