Agent Orange, a powerful herbicide used extensively during the Vietnam War and in other locations, has had devastating long-term health consequences for countless veterans. Its toxic components have been linked to a wide range of debilitating illnesses and conditions, impacting not only the veterans themselves but often their families.
Unfortunately, the path to obtaining compensation for Agent Orange exposure is often filled with bureaucratic hurdles and denied claims. At Hill & Ponton, we understand your struggles. Our mission is to be your unwavering advocate, helping you overturn VA denials, win maximum ratings, and recover the back pay you are owed.
You’re Not Alone
Hill & Ponton was founded by Vietnam veteran Brian Hill and is dedicated solely to assisting disabled veterans and their families. If your Agent Orange exposure claim was denied or underrated by the Department of Veterans Affairs, our disability lawyers will fight on your behalf to secure the compensation you deserve.
Our Lawyers Can Help with Your Agent Orange Claim
Overturn Your Denial
Many veterans encounter difficulties when filing for benefits due to missing or incomplete service records, inadequate medical documentation, or a complex appeals process. These obstacles can delay or even prevent you from receiving the compensation you rightfully deserve. Our legal team is experienced in navigating these challenges, gathering essential evidence, and building strong cases to ensure your claim is properly evaluated and approved.
Increase Your Rating
Many Agent Orange-related conditions progressively worsen over time, meaning your initial rating may no longer be sufficient. If your condition has deteriorated and the VA has not reassessed your disability rating, you could be receiving less compensation than you deserve. Our experienced legal team will work diligently to ensure your rating is updated to match the true severity of your condition, maximizing your benefits.
Earlier Effective Dates and Back Pay
Ensuring a correct effective date is crucial for maximizing benefits, as it determines the amount of back pay a veteran may be entitled to receive. Due to delays in the VA’s recognition of Agent Orange exposure locations, many Vietnam-era veterans were assigned incorrect effective dates, leading to significant financial losses. Our lawyers specialize in identifying and correcting these errors, to ensure you receive every dollar you are owed.
Prove Non-Presumptive Conditions
Some veterans face the additional challenge of proving service connection for conditions not officially recognized as Agent Orange-related, or for locations not included in the VA’s list of presumptive Agent Orange exposure sites. We use historical records, service documentation, and expert testimony to establish a strong case proving your exposure to Agent Orange and securing all the benefits you’re entitled to receive.
We Fight for You No Matter Where You Served
Vietnam War veterans remain the largest group affected by Agent Orange exposure. If you served in Vietnam, aboard ships that operated in Vietnamese waters, or were involved in operations along the Vietnamese coastlines between 1962 and 1975, you’re likely eligible for presumptive exposure benefits.
Non-Vietnam Agent Orange Exposure
- Fort McClellan and Other U.S. Bases: Veterans stationed at Fort McClellan, Alabama, and other U.S. military installations where herbicides were tested or stored may be eligible for Agent Orange benefits. These stateside exposure cases often require additional evidence and expert testimony, areas where Hill & Ponton’s experience proves invaluable.
- Thailand Herbicide Exposure: Veterans who served in Thailand between 1962 and 1976 often faced significant herbicide exposure. We’ve successfully appealed Thailand exposure claims before this location became presumptive and understand the unique documentation challenges such cases present. If you’re pursuing a claim prior to the PACT Act , we can assist with proving entitlement to earlier effective dates.
- Korean DMZ Exposure: Veterans who served along the Korean Demilitarized Zone between 1968 and 1971 may have been exposed to Agent Orange used for defoliation purposes. These claims often involve complex requirements that our legal team is well-equipped to handle.
- Guam and American Samoa: Agent Orange was also used in the Pacific territories, primarily for controlling vegetation around U.S. military bases as part of efforts to maintain security and operational readiness. Veterans who served on these islands, or the territorial waters off Guam or American Samoa, may be eligible for benefits based on herbicide exposure.
We work with specialists to establish the connection between health conditions and Agent Orange exposure during service. Our comprehensive approach often succeeds where initial claims have failed, opening the door to benefits that veterans deserve but haven’t been able to access.
Why Choose a Hill & Ponton Lawyer for Your Agent Orange Appeal?
Choosing the right lawyer to win an Agent Orange claim is a crucial decision. At Hill & Ponton, we offer more than just legal representation; we offer a deep understanding of veteran experiences, a proven track record of success, and unwavering dedication to securing the benefits our heroes deserve.
Exclusive Focus on Veterans
Hill & Ponton was founded by Vietnam veteran Brian Hill, who served as a Navy helicopter pilot in the Gulf of Tonkin conducting search and rescue missions. We’ve been fighting for veterans since 1988, leveraging our deep knowledge of VA regulations and case law to build strong, evidence-based appeals. Our attorneys stay up-to-date on the latest changes in VA policy and legal precedents, ensuring that your Agent Orange claim benefits from the most current and effective strategies.
Proven Track Record of Success
With over 30 years of experience, we have successfully handled over 30,000 claims and recovered over $300 million in client benefits. Whether your claim has been denied, or you need to maximize your compensation, our proven track record speaks for itself. We have a deep understanding of the intricacies of Agent Orange cases and a history of achieving favorable outcomes for our clients. Read their stories here to see the impact we’ve made in veterans’ lives.
Full Legal Support
We understand that dealing with the VA can be time-consuming and emotionally draining. That’s why we handle every aspect of your appeal, from organizing medical evidence to managing the details of VA administrative procedures. Our lawyers work diligently to ensure that your case is supported by expert medical opinions, service records, and any additional documentation needed to strengthen the Agent Orange exposure claim. We take the burden off your shoulders, allowing you to focus on your health and well-being while we fight for the benefits you deserve.
No Win, No Fee
We believe that legal fees should not be a burden to veterans seeking benefits. That’s why our lawyers work on a contingency basis – meaning you pay nothing upfront. Our firm only collects a fee if we successfully secure compensation for you. This fee is a percentage of your back pay and never affects your future benefits, ensuring you receive the financial support you need moving forward without added stress.
You fought for your country, and now it’s our turn to fight for you. With decades of experience and a deep commitment to veterans, we’re ready to help you navigate the VA system and maximize your benefits. Contact Hill & Ponton today for a free case evaluation and take the first step toward the compensation you deserve.