Gary Alan Sinise, born March 17, 1955, in Blue Island, IL, grew up with a strong artistic background. His father, Robert, was a film editor. Sinise showed an early pull toward performance. After graduating from Highland Park High School in Illinois and attending Illinois State University, he co-founded the Steppenwolf Theatre Company in Chicago in 1974 with Terry Kinney and Jeff Perry.  

The company became a launchpad for some of the most respected actors in the business. John Malkovich, Joan Allen, and Laurie Metcalf were among them. 

Building on his early artistic foundation, Sinise built a distinguished career on stage and screen. He earned an Obie Award for directing True West, a Tony Award with Steppenwolf, and an Academy Award nomination for his portrayal of Lieutenant Dan Taylor in Forrest Gump. That role became a turning point, as the connection Sinise built with the military community through Lieutenant Dan grew into a lifelong mission. 

Expanding his dedication beyond acting, he co-founded Operation Iraqi Children, created the Gary Sinise Foundation, and co-founded the Lt. Dan Band with Kimo Williams, which has performed at military bases around the world.  

Since 2003, he has visited 174 military bases and 21 military hospitals. His foundation raises over $30 million annually to support veterans, including building smart homes for disabled service members. 

In recognition of these ongoing efforts, his work has not gone unrecognized. President George W. Bush awarded him the Presidential Citizens Medal. The U.S. Navy made him an honorary Chief Petty Officer. The Marine Corps named him an honorary Marine. He received the Army's Outstanding Civilian Service Award and the Sylvanus Thayer Award from West Point, given to those whose character and service reflect the ideals of the U.S. Military Academy. 

Ultimately, Sinise's legacy is defined not by any single role. It is marked by the consistency of his commitment to our troops. Few civilians have dedicated as much of their lives to the men and women who serve and his impact on the veteran community only continues to grow. 

Honor veterans like Gary Alan Sinise and watch more stories on our YouTube channel.

Shoulder conditions are one of the most common reasons veterans file for VA disability. Military service puts serious strain on the shoulder through heavy lifting, repetitive tasks, and sudden injuries, and that damage often sticks around long after discharge. 

VA rates shoulder and arm disabilities based on diagnosis, severity, range of motion loss, and dominance of the affected arm. 

VA Ratings for Shoulder Conditions 

Ratings vary widely based on the specific diagnosis: 

How to Service-Connect a Shoulder Condition 

Veterans can establish a link to service through: 

Secondary Conditions That Can Increase Compensation 

Shoulder pain can lead to additional problems that may qualify as secondary disabilities, including: 

If Your Claim Is Denied or Underrated 

Veterans can appeal, file for secondary conditions, or apply for TDIU if their rating is too low. Strong medical evidence and detailed documentation can help.

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 prior to the Livestream starting, 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

Many veterans assume hitting 100% is the ultimate goal, but there is more to winning your VA claim. In this video, Hill & Ponton attorneys Matthew Hill and Carol Ponton reveal why 100% doesn’t always mean you’re getting the full benefits you deserve. Special Monthly Compensation can significantly raise your monthly payments well beyond the standard 100% rate. 

What catches a lot of veterans off guard is that SMC for loss of use does not require an actual amputation. Veterans living with conditions like Parkinson's, multiple sclerosis, or severe diabetic neuropathy may qualify if their hands or feet have lost meaningful function, even if they are still physically there. 

Hill and Ponton walk through how VA tests for loss of use, what functional thresholds matter, and how the math changes when more than one extremity is involved. They also flag a problem they see far too often: veterans who hit 100% and never learn that their injuries warranted more. 

Be honest about your physical limits. If VA missed something, apply for SMC. 

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!