Thank you, Carol…before you in this process I had known only sadness and disappointment. By your skill and perseverance my lot has improved…I will always be grateful.

Thanks for the Great Job. I am Happy Happy Happy!

Hill and Ponton, PA made my life easy and stress free with getting Approval for My Claim with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Hill and Ponton, PA and staff are extremely Veteran-Friendly and proactive in seeking results that are best for the veteran. I have been submitting my claim and appeals for years with slow and negative results. Without a doubt the best decision I have ever made was letting Hill and Ponton PA do all the heavy lifting and hard work. Within a matter of months all the results are Positive and stress free. Thanks very much.

After the VA denied my original disability claim, I decided to appeal the case using a legal firm to represent me.

The first firm I contacted email back that they weren’t interested and recommended that I work with a local facilitator (like the American Legion).

The second firm wanted the case, but when I couldn’t get in touch with the attorney who was to handle the case to ask a few questions, I crossed them off my list.

The third firm was Hill & Ponton. They contacted me to schedule a phone call with senior partner Sara Hill. Within several days, she and I had an hour long phone conversation. It was clear that she had already read the original filing and the denial paperwork.

Her observation that their firm sees many cases like mine (deserving, but denied without the reviewer closely inspecting the information submitted about the claim). She reviewed with me, in general, how she would proceed with the case, which made perfect sense.

We agreed to the terms of a contingency retainer, which provided that Hill & Ponton would get compensated only if they won an appeal on my behalf.

During the coming months, the firm did an excellent job of keeping me posted on what was happening, and sent me copies of everything for my file. And I could always reach Sara or one of her aides if I had questions.

Sara’s strategy was to initially submit an appeal using the Review by a Higher Authority option. After about four months after filing it, she received a notice that the VA was approving my appeal at the 100% level, retroactive to my initial claim filing date. To say the least, I was ecstatic. Within a week, my first month’s payment was direct deposited in my bank account, and the VA had mailed me a paper check for the retroactive lump sum payment.

I wholeheartedly recommend Hill & Ponton and Sara Hill to any veteran needing help getting the best outcome to a disability filing with the VA.

I would like to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude to Hill and Ponton for their tireless effort and dedication to my VA disability claim. I previously filed a claim with the VA without proper representation and regardless of the facts being there. I was denied again and again. Finally, in sheer frustration and almost ready to give up, I found Hill and Ponton through a Google search. They agreed to take my case and from that point on handled everything and kept me completely in the loop. They took over efficiently and effectively, lowering my stress level and this is priceless as I suffer from conditions that stress severely aggravates and renders me completely stagnant and unable to act. My lawyer and case managers never hesitated to answer any questions I had, and they never seemed bothered by my numerous emails. And most importantly, because of their extensive knowledge and experience with navigating the VA claims system, they got me everything I was entitled to including my proper rating and my TDIU and all my retroactive pay. Without Hill and Ponton, I would most likely have received yet another disappointing and undeserved decision regarding my service connection. They ensured that I was given permanent and total so that the VA won’t try and bother me unnecessarily. There just isn’t enough I can say to express how invaluable Hill and Ponton’s services have been and I highly recommend that all my fellow veterans choose them for real results they deserve! Don’t go it alone with the VA! Hill and Ponton was the best decision I’ve ever made, hands down.

They are the best lawyers for VA and Social security processes in the United States. I had an enjoyable experience from the start. You don’t have to worry about anything. They do everything. They are incredibly competent, so you don’t need to keep calling. We need to be patient to wait the typical time for such a process. My case was difficult, but they are the best. They are at the top of their game. Thanks, attorney Melanie Williams for getting me 100% total and permanent disability with the VA. You guys are beyond compare. Thank you!!!!

I signed with Hill & Ponton and they were great.

From the beginning I felt like they knew what they were doing and put my mind at ease with my SSDI case.

They always answered my questions and they were fully  prepared when I went before the judge.

I believe they specialize in handling veteran cases because they understood what I was going through.

Thank you and I am forever grateful.

Dear Mary, Thank you for helping me navigate my way through the complex Social Security Disability System. I appreciate the time and effort everyone at Hill and Ponton continually gives to helping Veterans, beneficiaries, and their families.

As case workers, you help tackle the many frustrations and challenges wrought by a set of complex laws and policies.

As a military veteran, I’m used to hard work. However, it never ceases to amaze whenever I think of all you get accomplished in the middle of numerous phone calls, emails, voice messages, appointments, schedules, timelines, and meetings that you have every day.

For this Thanksgiving season, our Veterans give you our thanks and best wishes for all you do for our community.

With warmest regards.

Hill and Ponton has been the best law firm I have ever worked with. There is no way I could have got anything without them. I have already told all my fellow vets to call Hill and Ponton for their needs. Thank you so so much Sara Hill!

My name is Angel Lozano and I served five years active duty. After I got out things were hard for me when it came to education and employment experiences. My PTSD and anxiety issues were really hard to overcome. I was receiving some disability compensation but felt it wasn’t enough for what I was going through. I spoke with a handful of law firms but Hill and Ponton was what I really needed. They were very knowledgeable and treated me with utmost respect. Sara k. Hill was a great attorney, she made the process easy and accessible to me. It paid off because she was able to secure a 100% disability rating for me. I not only will receive all the benefits that come along with a 100% rating, I also received a large amount from the VA in retroactive pay dating back to 2015. I was more than happy with the outcome.

3 years ago I was directed to Hill and Ponton to help me appeal a Veterans Administration decision.  It is, without a doubt, the best move I have made in my adult life.  This firm is 1) knowledgeable  2) courteous 3) and “spot on” for getting things done.   I was constantly informed on current events in my case and this Firm is always available for questions in the Case.   I highly recommend Hill & Ponton and the entire staff to get your appeals settled.   I shall always be grateful they are there and look forward to future correspondence with them.  DON’T MISS OUT!

I want to thank you on behalf of my family and the families of the veterans that you represent. It has been a long time since we were able to have enough grocery to last us for the whole month. Being able to pay a bill with out having to set up a payment agreement or be able to pay off some of our bills. It bring me to tears when I think about the fact that this would have never happen if not for you and your staff. Veterans get frustrated sometimes, including me because of all that we have done for this country and the fact that our government don’t want to help us in our time of need. Please relay my sincere apologies to Brian Hill for the times that I became so frustrated that I said things that I really didn’t mean. Thank you and may God bless you all.

Listen to me, when I tell you that Carol Ponton and her team is the best. For over 45 years I struggled to get the VA to just look at the facts. Well Carol and crew gathered the facts, even when it was at their expense for outside doctors, they made a plan, they kept me in the plan and always insured I understood and approved of what they were going to do. They listened and they studied my service and the years since. My fellow veterans you can not do better than these folks at Hill & Ponton.

I’d like to thank you & the staff of hill & ponton for helping me win my disability case. I appreciate everything you & the staff have done. I would highly recommend hill & ponton to anyone. Thank you so much.

I would like to thank Mary Ersland, who handle my case for disability. She was very professional and was always there to answer my questions by email or by calling me. I would recommend Hill and Ponton to anyone who is looking to file for disability. From start to finish everyone that I spoke with where very professional and made me feel that my case was very important to them.

My VA Settlement, as a result of your handling of my case, exceeded all my expectations. I have told the people at Lecanto VA office of my success. I have also told friends that are veterans your name and I am sure it will be passed on.
My contact with the office personnel has only been by phone, email, and fax, however, I have been impressed by their being highly professional and extremely pleasant.
I especially want to thank Allison Reddick and Kimberly Croussore.

To All Concerned veteran’s who are seeking compensation for any and all problems relating to your service I highly recommend that you retain the law firm of Hill and Ponton. I can personally attest to the help and guidance they provided me with my claim. If you think you can navigate the VA bureaucracy yourself forget it. I was turned down by C & P at least 3 times before I was made aware of Hill and Ponton’s services. I wrote my grievances in plain English to the VA but to no avail. Your claim needs to use the terms, statutes, and regulations the VA uses. For example, Regulation A states this, and Regulation B states that etc. Hill and Ponton listened to my problems and agreed that I was due compensation for my service and followed all the VA procedures and were successful in my being granted compensation. So if you think you’re entitled to any benefits connected to your service I urge you make that call! SGT. U.S. ARMY INFANTRY 11-BRAVO

I want to again express my appreciation for representing me in my VA appeal process. Prior to contacting your firm I doubted if I would ever receive a positive resolution during my lifetime. Dealing with the VA on my own was difficult, discouraging, and very stressful. Being awarded a service-connected disability has already begun to make my quality of life a lot better, and on behalf of my wife and I, I thank you. I also appreciate the work you are continuing to do to settle other outstanding issues.

I will definitely recommend you to anyone needing legal representation on VA or Social Security matters.

I am writing this to give a big thanks to Mary and Marni! I want to give them the recognition that they earned and deserve! They kept me up to date on everything involving my case. Very compassionate and caring! Thanks to them and the entire firm I was approved for SSI disability. I couldn’t be more grateful. I knew I picked the right law firm. Again Thank You Mary & Marni! I would recommend your firm to anyone I know that is going to need excellent representation. With much gratitude.

I was having problems with receiving VA benefits after the passing of my husband. I then decided to call the number a gentleman gave me at the DAV office. After calling the number I was treated with nothing but kindness and understanding of my situation. I was referred to Sara Hill of Hill & Ponton of DeLand FL. She is a top-notch attorney with compassion and caring for her clients. Her case manager is also top notch. They always kept me informed of any developments and went over any questions I would have. I knew from the beginning it might take a while but they always gave me encouragement. I would recommend this firm to anyone who feels they have no recourse with the VA. I was very satisfied with how they handled everything. They are NUMBER ONE in my book.

Hill and Ponton succeeded in getting my claim for Social Security disability approved. Everything was conveniently done from long distance through phone contact and email. Mary Ersland (Senior Case Manager) is on top of her game. Her expertise and professionalism have made it easy to go through the hard process. She returns every phone calls and emails promptly. I only wish I knew about Hill and Ponton earlier. Thank goodness I found them on Google. Thank you for everything.

Hi Ms. Hill,

Thank you again for taking our case. Without the help of you and your firm, we would either still be fighting for benefits with the VA or have given up. I am so thankful that I came across your firm online for VA rights.
My family and I are so pleased at the time frame and process we went through with your firm. All our questions were answered promptly as well as getting medical records and correspondence back and forth.
Hill and Ponton is very professional and reliable and could make a definite difference in a loved one’s life. The burden of trying to do this by ourselves was lifted off of us and Hill and Ponton stepped in and won our case. Without them, our papers would still be sitting on someone’s desk at the VA.
Please give Hill and Ponton the chance to fight for you and or a loved one.
We truly hope that someone will read what we have to say about you and your firm and feel that they are not alone and there is a firm willing to help fight for what they deserve.

Thank you again so very much for all you have done.

Carol is the best in claims you can have. God bless her always.

Thank you all so much for your help in obtaining my disability!! I will definitely recommend you to friends and family if any are in need!!

I would like to recommend Hill and Ponton Attorneys at Law to you for council for any litigations that may occur. I was severely injured in the U.S. Navy to the point that I was incapable of ordinary function. I was incompetent to testify before a court of law, however, I was given an appointment by the VA to represent myself in St. Petersberg, FL. The result of the case was a denial of my benefits, of course.

Mrs. Carpenter, a service officer, saw the discrepancies of my situation and referred me to the attorney Matthew Hill.

I am grateful and thank God I had outstanding representation. Hill and Ponton Attorneys recovered my benefits 100% after the appeal.

I wish our military Good Luck.

I worked closely with Mary Ersland for more than two years and found her to be patient, compassionate, organized, and professional. Mary was also extremely competent and understood my anxiety level ad my case dragged through the sluggish Social Security Disability system. Shelly Campbell represented me when it came time for my hearing. She kept me calm throughout the process and I have complete confidence in both of these individuals as well as the firm they represent. I would recommend them with the highest regard and without hesitation.

Thank You Mary! It was so nice to get the good news via your e-mail. This is really going to help us out.  Thank you for always being so helpful and returning our calls so promptly. We are sorry that you are not going to be helping us through the next step! I’ll miss our phone calls concerning the case, you’re wonderful! Great job!  Thank You again and god bless you!

It is with pleasure that I write this review on my own accord as Hill & Ponton worked with me on a Social Security Claim that I was awarded the 1st round. The Hill & Ponton team is professional, courteous and always returned phone calls & emails in a very timely fashion and kept me informed on the status of my claim. Hill & Pontin is the only Attorney I will ever use as the services provided have been of excellent standards and follow-up. They are the only ones I will ever use and appreciate the services provided in such an expeditious manner. I can’t thank you enough. You are the Best Team Ever. Stephanie Boyd is fantastic and the entire law firm.

Carol Ponton and Mary Ersland,

My family and I are very grateful of your assistance in helping me win my SS disability case. Several times it seemed as a lost case but you never gave up which means you never gave up on me. Again, thank you and I will definitely recommend your firm to family and friends.

Hill and Ponton are the most caring and professional firm that I have ever had to use. They took my case against the V.A. in 2013 and got me the disability and benefits that I deserved!!! I would recommend them to anyone!!!! Thanks for your help Matthew and Marissa

Amanda, I feel I was blessed when came upon the name and phone numbers of the firm you so proudly serve, as proven by your professionalism each time I spoke with you on the phone. You serve so admirably.

My husband died from liver cancer as a result of chemical exposure during his Air Force career. After his passing, I went directly to the VA to claim DIC and it was denied. Then, I contacted Mathew Hill (Hill and Ponton) and hire him to represent me. Mr. Hill kept me informed and the times that I personally spoke with him he was caring and attentive. He took my case and after almost three years, Mr Hill got my claim approved by the VA.

I applied for disability with the VA in 2009 and was denied. Ms Gaines was able to get me a favorable rating with the VA in 2016 and all of the back pay and benefits I was entitled to. She did an awesome job, kept me fully informed about my case. I would highly recommend her.

I want to thank Hill & Ponton, especially Andrea, for being so helpful. Andrea was kind, knowledgeable, had a great attitude, provided me relief, and gave me information on the protocol I was having a hard time understanding. I am grateful for the service that was extended to me despite the fact that your weren’t able to take my case.

Dear Shannon,

This is for you and everyone at your firm. Thank you for everything all the attorneys at your office do for us Veterans. Win or lose we appreciate you help.

Mrs. Campbell,

I just wanted to take this time to thank you and your whole team in regards to my husband’s SSD case. You all were as great with him as you were with myself. I will always recommend your company. You all have a great team. Thank you again!

I am so thankful to hill and Ponton for helping me win my VA appeal for DIC . They were very prompt and professional and without them I know I would never been awarded a positive outcome . The VA had denied my case 3 times and was pressuring me to close my case when I contacted Hill&Ponton . They helped me win my appeal and handled everything in a courteous and professional way! Thank you is not enough for the life changing help they have given me ! If you need legal help I strongly recommend this law firm !

The ultimate dream, I couldn’t have asked for anything more.

I am at a loss for words to explain how I feel about the work that Mr. Hill has done for me.

I am privileged that Mr. Hill choose me and now I am sitting in my house because of the wonderful work that Mr. Hill and his firm did for me.

I am very blessed to have worked with Mr. Hill.

Matthew Hill is a champion in my book! He took my Veterans Administration case from an incident then 35 plus years old; he believed in me and took the time to know me-and who I am-along with seeing my disability case to a 100% in favor to me. I believe in Mr. Hill and freely suggest to many military veterans-they too should believe in him!

I would like to explain that my case was of my being a victim in a criminal sexual assault that went with out justice until Mr. Hill took my case.

I have learned that his dedication to seeking justice for ‘military sexual trauma’ surviving veterans is paramount; I would place emphisis of how remarkable his attention to the sensitive nature of the crime, and the post traumatic stress its survivors endure for the rest of thier lives!

I promise these words are not enough to offer the praise that I have for this man, and great attorney

Also, Natalia was so wonderful through this whole process. She not only did her job splendidly, she really helped, reassured, cared, and helped us through a difficult time. I really want to tell someone about her superior work. In fact, I would like to spread the word about your whole office. Where can I send a complimentary letter? The bar association? Local News? Where would it do the most good? I really think people should know. If you could help guide me in this endeavor I would greatly appreciate it.

I chose your law firm based on reputation when I finally accepted the reality that I would never be able to work again because of my disability. It was an emotional time coupled with the many physical challenges that comes with lupus. I first called your office in February 2009 and spoke with Michelle. She was understanding and supportive and after a series of questions, she scheduled an office appointment. I came to your office and found that Michelle was assigned as my case manager. It put me at ease, as much as possible, because of our earlier phone communication. It is often difficult for me to focus but Michelle moved at a pace to help me understand the process and shared all the necessary information. I knew after that visit that I had selected the right law firm and an added bonus was the good fortune of working with Michelle. She is professional, competent, and kind. Throughout the process she communicated with me and kept me updated. I have shared my sincere appreciation with her but I want you to know that she did an exemplary job of handling my case and I am most grateful.

In these days of mediocrity, it is very refreshing to have outstanding employees. I would like to take the opportunity to give recognition to Mary Ersland for the dedicated time and effort that she has spent on my case. She always did her best with swift and understandable communications with me. I know now where the bar is in regard to professional performance at your firm!

Although this may be an overlooked task in today’s business world, I feel that I must bring to your firm’s attention the outstanding service I received by your representatives throughout my claim process.

I am, of course, very delighted to have had the pleasure of retaining your firm in this pursuit and by my experiences with another firm regarding my long term disability, I can safely say that professionalism is evident here while missing in other firms. The professional and courteous attitude, expert knowledge, and patience in handling my specific issues were very important to my complete customer satisfaction.

Mary, on behalf of myself & my family I would like to thank you and your firm for assisting me through the disability application approval process. If I know anyone in a similar situation I will gladly recommend your firm & especially you.

Mrs. Ponton words cannot describe what I feel this moment!! I’ve waited TWENTY TWO years for this!!!

Dear Carol, …on behalf of my son, my wife, and myself…THANK YOU so wholeheartedly. To you and your friendly staff in handling our not so easy Social Security and Veteran Administration claims. We have been greatly satisfied and rewarded with your high level of professionalism, expertise and of course, that personal touch that sets your office apart. Not to mention positive results…beyond our expectations. We proudly recommend your services to all in our COI. Our prayers and desires for your lives and office to continually be safe and blessed.

I have sought out the VA many times on behalf of my medical issues. It was difficult to handle and I was not taken seriously with my C & P that was assigned to me. After several denials of my VA claims on my own, I decided to reach out to Hill and Ponton. The entire staff from the case managers, Danielle, Dahomey, to my attorney’s Melanie and Sara. I’m thankful to God for leading and setting up this wonderful team.

If I had a question or concerns, I emailed or left a message to only receive a response within 24hrs or earlier. The journey took a couple of years, but with patience and giving it to God, we were successful. Please reach out to Hill and Ponton if you have been denied and they will help guide you.

What I love about the company is that they will not lie or make any hidden agendas to benefit them. If they can’t do anything, they will let you know as well as if they have a case. Again, I am a blessed woman to have God and the team. Because I would not have been able to see the outcome if not for them.

From the first interaction with Hill & Ponton, I knew that everything that legally could be done would be brought to bare on my claim. I had an incomplete outprocessing when I left the military and a less than satisfactory medical briefing during my final out. Over the previous five years, my claims have been denied by the VA for the flimsiest of reasons.

I tried another VSO service which was a total rip off. The owner operator was more concerned with volume of claims versus, individual strategy tailored to my case. They tried a contract that was one sided (did not give me the option to fire them.) However, I fired them and found a second VSO, who looked at my case and recommended Hill & Ponton. They told me, that if Hill & Ponton reviewed my case and took it, that I would have the best chance of a positive ruling with my claim.

They were 100% correct! Every interaction with the Hill & Ponton staff was structured, had a clearly defined goal and reassured me that they were doing their best for me. They are very professional,  caring, and mission oriented. The end result was that I received the compensation due me based on the table set forth by Veterans Affairs. My husband and I fully endorse Hill & Ponton. And strongly recommend that you give them the opportunity to help you with your claim.

Blessings.

By 1998 after my return from Desert shield desert storm in 1992 my condition of PTSD deteriorated beyond any comprehension. I was going to the VA telling them everything and submitting claims for almost 18 years. 10%-20%

Mr. Hill and his team after securing my 100% (unemployable) rating Literally before the ink dried on the first claim, saw deficiencies in a additional claim that was backdated a little more than a year. With the retroactive payment and secure rating of 100%.

I will tell you this once and once only, taking your claim to any other lawyer would be a mistake, I have heard horror stories from fellow servicemen and the representation they retained.

Now that we are done with the Veterans Administration I will definitely hire the law firm of Hill and Ponton again when the Social Security Administration decides or doesn’t decide on my behalf. With the fees they charge you’ll  need to remember you didn’t and couldn’t have it before so even if it hurts, it will make you smile.

We defended this country and they are defending us. Hoorah

Desert shield / storm

They got my disability rating after I was denied twice. They knew exactly how to format and submit the claim. I was rated 50%, Hill & Ponton weren’t done, they found other medical that related to exposure and submitted additional claims. I could not have received a disability rating without Hill & Ponton. If you need help, choose Hill & Ponton.

I just wanted to say that Hill & Ponton in DeLand are fantastic. Always helpful and returned calls or emails in a timely manner. I would highly recommend this group if you need them.

I cannot stress strongly enough how important it is to have representation during your SSA disability process. I was met at every step of the process by competent, informed, and compassionate professionals from Hill & Ponton that helped me feel at ease during a stressful period of time.

Thanks again Mary!

My experience with Carol Ponton, of Hill and Ponton, has been extremely positive! Every one of her hardworking team has supported me! I tried going up against the VA on my own, and it is very frustrating! Carol and her staff know who to contact to work on your behalf! She hired a medical consultant who submitted 19 pages of testimony on my behalf. The consultant knows everything there is to know about Agent Orange and the contaminated drinking water at Camp LeJeune! Anytime I had a question, Carol or a member of her staff got right back to me with an answer! I would recommend Hill and ponton to any veteran who is frustrated with the VA.

I am extremely happy and thankful for the work my representative and the team at Hill and Ponton has done. They’ve made the entire appeal process a lot less stressful, so much easier and has been there every step of the way. Ultimately leading to a favorable outcome. A five stars rating and definitely recommend!

To you and that entire crew that works so hard at what you all do. I can not thank you enough for the hard work and heart that you have put into my case. I received an amazing call this morning stating I am now 60% with the VA. I owe this all to you all. When I hung up all I could do was cry. My wife knew that moment. You all have given me new life and a way to enjoy my kids a little more. Thank you so much.

Hill and Ponton worked hard for me to get the best outcome for my VA claim.  Before I hired them I had been personally fighting for years on my own with several denials. Hill and Ponton diligently dug up all the paperwork and scheduled appointments for me so that I had absolutely everything I needed when my appeal was filed.  It was a long process but the firm never gave up on me along the way.  They were there when I had questions and constantly kept me informed with the status of my case.  The firm was eventually able to get me 100% disability which was a major relief for my family and me. I recommend Hill and Ponton to any veteran.

I’m very happy. I like the professionalism that my lawyer handle the case. She asked me all the questions and make the case more easy to handle and understandable. She have a lot of empathy for me. She was prepared and have all the medical charts uploaded on the computer making the case more easy to the judge to understand. I had the opportunity to answer all the questions and expressed myself of how I feel. I never see a lawyer so prepared, so smart because most of the lawyers leave everything to the judge and only speak what they think it’s necessary. My lawyer was firm, smart, prepared, handle the case in an excellent matter. She not only defended me, she defended my daughter also because she is a minor and my dependent. I have no words to tell the people how good the staff and the good job hill and Ponton law office do. My lawyers assistant, she was excellent and compassionate. I strongly recommend this lawyers and this office to anyone. I already did to 2 person and I will continue. I’m very proud that my lawyer is a woman. A very smart one and very compassionate and very nice. Thank you very much and God bless.

Thank you, Mary.  This is such a welcome relief.  I truly appreciate all your efforts and that of Attorney Mark and those who assisted.  Thank you all.

Bless you all for the service you provide.

Thank you to the staff and Attorney Shelly Mark, of Hill & Ponton, for the exceptional handling of my Social Security claim.

Paralegal, Kimberly Croussore, was extremely patient, professional, and promptly answered all my questions and concerns during the long wait for a hearing.

Attorney Shelly Mark is very thorough and knows how to present a claim.  She made sure I knew what to expect at the hearing and explained all possibilities, good and bad.

Paralegal, Mary Ersland, handled my case near the end and she was extremely prompt in responding to me.

Hill & Ponton’s staff made sure I was informed every step of the way and made the Social Security appeal process understandable and less aggravating.  Thank you Hill & Ponton!!!

Very helpful with case. Communicative and willing to answer all questions.

My father served as an Army Medic and a member of the 82nd Airborne during World War II. Like many of his fellow brothers who served, he carried the memories, scars, and shadows of his war experiences in silence. Up until two years ago, he had never reached out to the Veterans Administration for assistance, not medical, not financial. Following a health crisis in 2016, my mother encouraged him to file a claim with the VA. A few months later he received a rating of 50% for service-connected PTSD.

Some might say that a 50% rating was good enough. However, given my father’s condition and the bloody war experiences he encountered on the frontlines of battle, we felt this rating wasn’t good enough, we felt he was 100%. Good enough was not/is not good enough!

We were in dispute with this VA finding, yet we were at a loss as to what to do. We received conflicting advice on how to proceed, the most troubling was the advice to do nothing at all given that during a dispute and a review of dad’s condition that the VA might actually decrease his ratings. The threat was enough to immobilize my parents into doing nothing based on fear. For weeks we fought this fear and uncertainty while at the same time we attempted to weave our way through the forms and red tape to have my father’s rating increased. During this time, my father struggled in a lopsided battle with his mental and physical health. As my father’s condition deteriorated, his need for assistance from the VA intensified. We were without any avenues or resources for relief until a family member told us to contact Matt Hill with Hill and Ponton. He was insistent that we call explaining, “This is what they do, they help veterans get the benefits they deserve”.

Matt spoke to my parents and assured them that his entire team was on board with getting my father everything he deserved – Not just a 100% rating but also Aid and Attendance. He also felt confident that given my father’s age and health that he would be able to have his claim expedited. Matt and his firm took charge of my father’s claim the very next day. Throughout the process, we received regular updates and phone calls. Every legal document filed, we received a copy. Every phone call we made was answered. Every anxious question we asked was answered with calm and knowledgeable assurance.

The end result is that in the matter of four (4) months we have gone from hopeless desperation to grateful relief: dad is now classified at a 100% rating!

Matt, Marissa and his legal team stepped into our lives to lift our burden during one of the most trying and troubling stages of life. They didn’t just make promises, they liberated us from hopelessness by delivering results.

My advice to everyone is to never accept good as good enough. Go for great and go with the greatest, Hill and Ponton.

If only I had listened to my wife 20 plus years ago.

I was in Ubon, Thailand in the late ’60’s. I worked on the flight line and lived right on the base perimeter. I was diagnosed with diabetics on a Wednesday and Heart disease on the following Friday in 1997. The diabetics treatment went from diet, to pills, to injections. The Heart disease started with pills, then onto a heart cath, heart bypass surgery, and then more heart caths. Then my lungs gave out. And now my eyesight is rapidly decreasing.

I had filed a claim for my back injury in 1970 and got a 10% rating. Over the years I had one back surgery and spent so much money on Aspirin, and Motrin. I filed for a higher rating on my own a few times and was denied again and again.

At my wife’s insistence, I called Hill & Ponton, and frankly had very low expectations. The VA said no, what are these people gonna do?

Well what they did do, is get me a 100% rating.

It took some time. But, Mr. Hill and my case worker, Marissa never gave up. My calls and e-mails were always returned quickly. Every 90 days or so I’d check in, just to be reassured. “Have faith, we’re working on it for you.” I am now on the home stretch of my life but feel so vindicated. I was not me being dealt really bad genes. It was not me, not eating my greens. It flat out was not me!

Thank you seems so hollow, but I will rest knowing it wasn’t me.

Dear Carol,

When services are rendered and paid for most would say it’s just business. What I would like you and your staff to know is that I am just one of many I am sure that you have saved in more ways than one. For that, I could never repay you and your staff.

I thank you for believing in me and helping me to take back control of my life. Believe me when I tell you that I am telling everyone who will listen that, “I know of a great law firm and attorneys that help you with your VA claims!”

I found Hill and Ponton via a web search, within minutes after speaking with Sara Hill, I knew this was the firm for me. They listened to my issue with the VA, I was diagnosed with Service related PTSD, uphill fight all the way. Hill and Ponton were very upfront with the long timeline of the process as well as any possible cost, no upfront money was ever given, this was a five year battle that they tackled with professionalism and dedication. Sara Hill and her associate Dahomey always kept us informed and up to date during the entire process. The manner in which I was treated by Hill and Ponton was very caring and respectful. Never once did they make me feel like I did not matter, in fact, it was the opposite, I finally found someone who truly made feel valued as a person and a Navy veteran. I highly recommend this firm to any veteran that feels like they have been treated unjustly by the VA system. They stand by their clients. Give them a call, you will not be disappointed.

I was in the Marine Corps from Jan 1965 – Aug 1971, as an O311 with tours in Vietnam and wounded three times. I started dealing with the VA around 1985 only to get nowhere, so after 6 to 8 years I walked away. A few years went by and I started over. I went to the DAV and at first, they did get me somewhere and to the help I needed. Years went by with very little progress made on my case. In Sept 2015 I was told about Hill & Ponton law firm and called to set up a meeting. Two days later Hill & Ponton agreed to take on my case. Amanda Martin was my case manager and worked with me to the end. Amanda always had time to answer my questions and I had a lot of them. After a while, Amanda could tell I was having a bad time with it and would tell me to hang in there as the team had my back. Well about 22 months later, one night around 2200 the phone rang and it was Mrs. Ponton to tell me it was over and we had won. I would hope that any vet who is having a hard time with their claim at the VA to call Hill & Ponton. They know what to do, but more than that they do it.

As a career military man experience has taught me to assign the right person to the right job. I can tell you that choosing Sara Hill and her team of experts at Hill & Ponton proved to be the right choice and the outcome was proof of her expert knowledge of what the V.A. requires and the documents needed to fight for your benefits. Sara always advised me of what she thought would be the best way to
present my claim to the VA. Thank You, Sara and Team. I now have a 100% disability rating.

with you and informs you step by step even knows status way before you and has a great team to fight for you!! war more better results than I expected after getting denied twice (on my own) high recommend Carol to every Veteran

My husband a Vietnam war veteran died in 1997 of colon cancer. Just before he died he filed a claim with the V.A. but was denied. In 2001 I filed a claim and again the  V.A. denied my claim. They said that colon cancer was not associated with agent orange. In October of 2015, I filed again, I was able to reopen my case. Once again I was denied. I checked out several attorneys, via the internet, that handle disability claims for veterans. I was very impressed with Mr. Matthew Hill of Hill and Ponton, P.A. I contacted him in March of 2016. He helped me with my case. By March of 2017 I was awarded a large sum of money. Mr Hill was able to get me retroactive benefits from the year 2001 to the present. Plus I will receive a monthly pension check for the rest of my life. I highly recommend Matthew Hill to anyone looking for an attorney. He is awesome.

There I was with recently diagnosed with combat connected PTSD, looking at the diagnosis of Bladder Cancer and facing a series of back surgeries that will leave me a cripple for the next 3 years. I was so depressed I wanted to give up. I had filed with the VA, going from one overworked and sometimes ignorant VSO to another. Some were helpful, but now I was overwhelmed waiting on the VA to answer, only to be denied or told I did not have a form filed correctly. My VA doctors were very good to me but way overworked and restricted by so many rules. Frustration and depression do not heal PTSD. Pain and the drugs the doctors plied me with made me a zombie. Only my faith in my God and Savior keep me from ending my life. My prayers were answered by finding Hill & Ponton on the internet.

Connecting with Lawyer Leslie D. Gaines has been a great experience. Leslie’s experience, professional attitude, and patience in dealing with a crusty old veteran renews my faith in humanity. Her persistence, encouragement, and leadership has won the war of many battles I could not have fought on my own. Now I can rest knowing that my wife will be taken care of.

Thank you, Hill & Ponton, Ms. Gaines, Adriana, Amanda! It is a joy to deal with professionals with the right attitudes.

Semper Fi!

Ms Gaines,

Words are not enough to tell you how grateful we are. From our perspective, you are heaven sent. This is way beyond client/lawyer relationship!!! Your diligence, hard work, and personal care truly reflect the goodness in your heart.

To hear that I have been awarded Unemployability and retroactive benefits from July 2012, our prayers have indeed been answered!!! Wow!!!

I can sincerely say that these benefits are life changing, not just for my immediate family, but for my extended family as well.

Yes, you are family and we all appreciate you!!! … unconditionally. From our hearts to yours…

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! and God Bless you and your family.

Our utmost respect,

To future clients, Hill and Ponton law firm expedited my claim in a swift and professional manner. I recommend this firm to satisfy your disability claim.

Thank you so much for the good news and your hard work towards my condition. I pray to God for his blessings. It has been four years since my first claim. Thank you very much!

I would like to express my gratitude to you and your staff for the prompt professional services I received with my disability application and all the paperwork and questions that I had throughout this process. My case was handled by Mary Ersland and yourself and I’d like to inform you of how exceptional she was throughout this entire process. She made the process less stressful for me and helped with my frequent questions pleasantly and professionally each and every time. My husband and I will certainly be referring your firm to anyone We feel may benefit from your services. Thank you again for all you have done with my case.

Good day, I originally noticed your website while searching the Internet for help with filing a claim for disability benefits from the VA…I am 67 yr’s of age, and a Veteran. Upon learning that I had past heart problem’s, the Service Officer at my local VFW started filing papers with the VA. He told me applying for benefits could and probably would take 2 yr’s or more just to get the first ruling. While waiting on the VA, I started doing my research on dealing with the VA. Your website was very helpful and informative, I even made it a ‘favorite’ on my PC. I printed a couple of your medical form’s ( Ischemic Heart Disease Doctor questionnaire, High Blood Pressure, Hypertension, Hardening of the Arteries ), highlighted all the pertinent questions, and asked my heart doctor to please fill out and return to me. When completed, my VFW Service Officer complemented me on the questionnaire’s thoroughness, and faxed them in to the VA. In less than 2 months, the VA notified me that I had been approved for 100% disability and back pay. I was amazed, the entire process took only about 4 months. I am certain that your forms and Doctor questionnaires were the reason for my success. Had the VA denied my request, I had planned to seek your firm’s’ help with my legal issues with the VA.

You are the greatest !!!!

Thank you

Thank you for being my attorney and supporting me in all ways. Great team work.

Very Grateful,

We have always felt that excellence should be commended and noted.

Therefore, it is with great pleasure that we are writing about a superb attorney, Leslie Gaines.

We have been struggling with disability applications and appeals from the VA for years.

We are grateful for the day we were referred to Ms. Gaines.

She has been with us every “step-of-the-way.”

From the beginning she has been clear about what she was doing, what we were to do, and she has kept us informed about the progress.

She has guided us through any exams and personal experiences as we went through the VA compensation system.

Hill and Ponton are fortunate to have an attorney of the caliber of Leslie Gaines.

Not only is she an exceptional attorney but she is a fine and compassionate woman.

Again, our heartfelt thanks, Leslie

Eugene H. Eisman, M.D. FACP

Diplomate National Board of Physicians & Surgeons

Vol. Clin. Prof. UM Miller School of Medicine

Diane Batshaw Eisman M.D. FAAFP

Diplomate National Board of Physicians & Surgeons

Vol. Clin. Assoc. Prof. UM Miller School of Medicine

I want to thank you all for the work and effort you dedicated to my efforts to attain benefits with the VA.  I could not imagine a better effort!

I especially would like to thank Leslie Gaines for her work on my case.

The case-file copy that you sent me is impressive and exhibits the amount of work and effort that went into those documents!

I hope with all my heart that this effort succeeds as requested, especially the back-dating of the migraine decision so that H&P can be adequately (I know this amount, if granted would never be adequate) compensated for its work on my behalf.

Thank you so much!

I started my original claim three years ago in January.  I had no idea of the amount of supportive materials needed and the process of submitting all the materials.  I learned by experience and fortunately discovered Vet Connect Inc. that helped me transition from a VSO to the DAV, as the VSO double my paper work and thus got my claim bumped out of the system and then had to be re-entered, etc.  If I would have known about your book and website (and the important thing – read and learn) it would have certainly got me off to a much better start and understanding of the system.  I have had three C & P exams, and with no knowledge of preparation for the first one (heart stint), though I did get a rating, it could have been higher if I would how to prepare.  My second one, dealing with Ischemic heart disease and a new pacemaker (my second) I can’t remember if I saw on your website or elsewhere where that the VA bottom line for Injection Fraction rate is 50.  The doctor that was giving me the exam made a first statement that he didn’t believe he could do much for me with just a pacemaker.  By chance, a few months previous I had had a stress test, as well as a new pacemaker and my Injection Fraction was 47, and I mentioned to him this fact.  Immediately he deleted the information and started over again.  The result was another 20% rating.  I am not sure you have this information listed in your website or materials but if not, it may be a good example to include.  My first claim was for a heart stint.  So by my third C & P exam for PTSD, I was much more prepared and as well discovered your book and website.  As the exam began it was like going down a check list of the questions that were being asked and I had appropriate answers for each in detail.  It resulted in a 100% rating, that pleased me beyond measure.  All this to say, so many Veterans could help themselves if they took time to study and prepare for their claims and C & P exams.  My initial thoughts were that once you submitted your papers and filed the claim, that was pretty much it.  So from my experience, I preach to Vets filing claims how important documentation and preparation are to get things right at the beginning, saving a lot headaches and lost time.

I would just like to thank Hill & Ponton.  I had a case from 1989 and got turned down.  Six years ago, I was complaining about the Veteran’s Administration turning me down.  I had a therapist who kept on me everyday to get a  lawyer.  Two weeks later I looked on the internet for a Veteran’s Attorney and came across Hill & Ponton.  I submitted my case and they accepted me.  My lawyer, Matthew Hill, got my case reopened and now, six years later, got me 100% disability.  During the six year wait, Mr. Hill was very diligent and countered every effort the Veteran’s attempts to disqualify me.  He knows the Veteran Law better than the Veteran’s Administration themselves in my opinion.  He also gave me 110% which most lawyers don’t do.  I am forever grateful for Hill & Ponton for their courtesy and knowledge on the law regarding Veteran’s rights. I’m very grateful.

Dear Carol,

I want to take this opportunity to thank the firm Hill & Ponton for a task well done. Since 2008 I had been filing appeal after appeal with the VA decision to not elevate me to 100% rating. I can’t remember how many physical exams I endured only to be turned down each and every time. Then your firm was recommended to me by a fellow Veteran; the smartest move we ever decided to take.

You made the sign up and questions and answer process be extremely painless. Finally, after months of tedious work, you won my case and I was elevated to 100% which also included seven years of back compensation.

Your firm always kept me informed and your professional demeanor and drive are worth noting. My wife and I thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

If you are looking for a law firm look no further hill and ponton get the job done with a professionalism like no other cant thank them enough great staff very attentive and they really get involve with their clients and you will get positive results. Thank you again to my lawyer and the staff you did an amazing job.

When i first submitted a claim in 2010, I had little to no knowledge on how the VA disability claims system worked. I asked questions from other Vets. and always got different answers for the same questions. I eventually started researching information online once I knew what I needed to look for but if I had a book as this one that I have read : The Road To VA Compensation Benefit, this would have made thing much easier for me. This book is by far the best i have came across, Because it contains all the terminology  that VA uses, but defines them so that Veterans can understand them. In my honest opinion every Vet. should have this book in there possession as tool .

Thank you for being my attorney-but any one of choices I could have made could have ended up being my Legal attorney-mostly I want to thank you for your guidance, for your understanding, your interest in me, your belief that I was worth being your client when many other legal firms rejected my case because of unbelief of what happened to me in the Arm Forces. I am so proud of you for listening to you and observing your marvelous skills and tactics on my case that took me 42 years to resolve and win. Where were you 42 years ago when I needed you? (lol) But you made an impression on me that softened the stress and encouraged me to belief in you. Even though we really didn’t have that much contact which I attribute to your legal skills, I am stronger and better person and confident because you were my attorney, though it’s not over yet. I just wanted to thank you in advance.

I am located in California and Matthew Donovan Hill is the only attorney who had the experience helping veterans. I did not know I was entitled to veterans benefits and he was very knowledgeable of the law. I was granted my deceased husband’s veterans benefits.

I am contacting you regarding my SS Disability case. It has now been completed by the ALJ and the decision was a “Fully Favorable” one. Thank God and especially yourself for all your help with my case. I want you to know that I really appreciate your legal assistance with my case and your team at Hill & Ponton. Especially Ms. Noemi has been great comfort to me during this long, very hard time. I have been through a lot of family trouble and marriage problems due to my disability and finances and have been in tears and called Ms. Noemi and she always made me feel that I will come out on top through all the hard times. She is truly a special lady and has been of great emotional support to me and I want you to know how much that means to me. Thanks again for all you have done for me. I will certainly pass the word and refer your company with the highest regards!

Thank you and your staff for helping expedite our request for disability. It is really a God-send, and a blessing. We are very grateful.

It is a great feeling working together with professional people of your category. You are the best of the best.

I would also like to tell you how happy your firm has made me. Mary handled my claim with care and respect! She listened to my whining and crying; even returned my calls within a day.

Mary, Thank you so much. You are the best and I will tell everyone how great that you and Hill and Ponton have treated me as we try and move forward with our life. Thank you so much and God Bless you.

My name is Vickie Clark. My husband, Robert Clark, was diagnosed with liver cancer back in March 2009. He was a Vietnam veteran. I had been telling my husband back in 1992 to apply for VA benefits but he would not do anything. Finally, when he got diagnosed I decided to take action. I was looking on the Internet for a law firm that specializes in veterans benefits. I called the law office of Hill and Ponton. After Hill and Ponton contacted me, they were so professional and so caring. I had no idea how to do any paperwork and so I hired them. I can tell you that I did not do anything, they took care of everything. If I know of any veterans, I have referred to their office. Thank you so much Hill and Ponton for all the work you have done to get my deceased husband’s benefits.