Hill & Ponton was founded with a deep understanding of the sacrifices veterans make, and we focus exclusively on helping disabled veterans overcome the hurdles within the VA. We know the appeals process, we know the law, and we know how to build a strong case for the benefits you deserve.
Our VA-accredited attorneys have successfully fought for thousands of disabled veterans nationwide, including many right here in Colorado. Whether you received an unjust denial or need to increase your disability rating, we’ll assist you in obtaining the highest possible compensation.
Our Legal Services for Colorado Springs Veterans
Colorado Springs is home to a significant and valued community of veterans. With an estimated 90,000 veterans calling this area home, comprising roughly 17% of the city’s population, El Paso County stands as a proud hub for those who have served our nation. Unfortunately, this also means that many local veterans are likely to have developed disabilities related to their time in service.
At Hill & Ponton, we assist the disabled veterans of Colorado Springs in overturning denials, increasing their ratings or getting additional compensation they may be entitled to. We can help you win:
- Disability Compensation: We fight to ensure you receive the maximum monthly tax-free compensation available for your service-connected disabilities.
- VA Appeals: If your initial claim was denied, don’t give up. We understand the VA appeals process, including Supplemental Claims, Higher-Level Reviews, and Board Appeals, and can help you choose the best path forward for your specific situation.
- Increased Ratings: If your service-connected condition has worsened, you may be entitled to a higher disability rating and increased compensation. We can help you gather the necessary medical evidence to support your claim for an increase.
- Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC): We assist surviving spouses, children, and parents of service members or veterans who died as a result of a service-related injury or disease.
- Special Monthly Compensation (SMC): This additional benefit is available for veterans with specific, severe disabilities or combinations of disabilities. We can assess your eligibility and help you apply.
- Total Disability Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU): If your service-connected disabilities prevent you from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment, you may be eligible for TDIU, which pays at the 100% disability rate even if your combined rating is lower.
What Does It Take to Win a VA Disability Claim?
Many veterans feel discouraged when their VA disability claim is denied. Often, denials happen due to insufficient evidence, a missed deadline, or a failure to establish a clear “nexus” – the crucial link between your current disability and your military service.
Understanding the why behind your denial is the first step. The VA requires specific evidence to grant a claim. This includes:
- A Current Diagnosis: You must have a current diagnosis of a disability or condition from a qualified medical professional.
- An In-Service Event or Injury: There must be documented proof of an event, injury, illness, or exposure that occurred during your military service.
- A Medical Nexus: This is often the most challenging part. You need a medical opinion or evidence that clearly links your current diagnosis to the in-service event or injury.
Keep in mind that the VA appeals process has undergone significant changes, and navigating it requires up-to-date knowledge. Our VA-accredited lawyers stay current on all procedural and regulatory shifts to ensure your appeal is handled correctly.
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Proving Toxic Exposure Claims
It’s not enough to have served and now have a disability; you must show the VA how your service caused or contributed to your condition. This can be particularly difficult for toxic exposure claims.
Many veterans served in locations where they were exposed to harmful substances, from Agent Orange in Vietnam to burn pits in Iraq and Afghanistan, or contaminated water at military bases across the U.S. The PACT Act has expanded benefits and presumptions for some of these exposures, but navigating such claims still requires careful documentation.
In the Colorado Springs area, environmental investigations found contamination with PFAS – the “forever chemicals” linked to serious diseases, including certain types of cancer. Affected bases include:
- Peterson Air Force Base: In the past, toxins from this Colorado Springs base have also contaminated the drinking water of downstream communities.
- Schriever Air Force Base: 10 miles east of Colorado Springs, this facility is home to the 50th Space Wing and provides command and control for over 170 DoD satellites. However, the use of firefighting foam (AFFF) has led to severe PFAS contamination, with other potential toxic exposures on site.
- Fort Carson: A Remedial Investigation was undertaken here to address PFAS contamination concerns.
Regardless of where you served, if you believe your health condition is linked to toxic exposure during your service, we may be able to assist you in proving your case.
When Should You Hire a VA Disability Lawyer?
While you can try to navigate the VA system on your own or with help from a Veteran Service Officer for initial claims, VSOs often don’t have the legal expertise or resources to handle appeals, especially those involving intricate medical evidence or legal arguments.
Given the complexities of the VA system, having an attorney who understands all the details to the appeals process can make a big difference in the outcome of your case. Our VA disability lawyers can:
- Analyze your denial and identify legal errors
- Develop a strategy based on current laws and regulations
- Gather and develop crucial evidence, including obtaining independent medical opinions
- Craft persuasive legal arguments
- Represent you before the Board of Veterans’ Appeals or the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims
What Is the Success Rate of Our Colorado Springs VA Disability Attorneys?
Hill & Ponton has a 96% success rate in winning appeals for veterans, in Colorado and nationwide. We are proud of our track record and committed to achieving the best outcomes for all veterans. You can read about some of our previous clients here.
Disability Ratings and Benefits
The VA assigns a disability rating based on the severity of your service-connected conditions. This rating, expressed as a percentage (from 0% to 100%, in increments of 10), determines the amount of monthly disability compensation you receive.
If you have multiple service-connected disabilities, the VA uses a combined ratings table to calculate your overall rating. This isn’t simple addition. Our VA Disability Calculator can help you estimate your combined rating and potential monthly payment.
Here’s what a single Colorado Springs veteran with no dependents currently receives, based on the disability rating percentage:
- 10%: $175.51
- 20%: $346.95
- 30%: $537.42
- 40%: $774.16
- 50%: $1,102.04
- 60%: $1,395.93
- 70%: $1,759.19
- 80%: $2,044.89
- 90%: $2,297.96
- 100%: $3,831.30
In addition to disability compensation, Colorado Springs veterans also receive other federal and state benefits. Our lawyers can help you get everything you’re entitled to.
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Resources for Colorado Springs Veterans
Colorado Springs and El Paso County offer a wealth of resources for veterans. While we handle the legal assistance, we also want to ensure you are aware of all the support available in the area.
Veteran Assistance
El Paso County Veterans Service Office: 5850 Championship View, Suite 130, Colorado Springs, CO 80922. They assist veterans with filing VA claims, enrolling in healthcare, and accessing various benefits. Phone: 719-520-7750
Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center: 530 Communication Circle, Colorado Springs, CO 80905. This satellite office of the El Paso County Veterans Service Office is a vital community resource offering transition and employment assistance, behavioral health, and supportive services.
Colorado Springs Vet Center: 1330 Quail Lake Loop, Suite 200, Colorado Springs, CO 80906. The vet center offers confidential counseling to veterans and their families, assistance with initial VA claims and referral to other services and community resources. Phone: 719-471-9992
VA Healthcare
PFC Floyd K. Lindstrom Department of Veterans Affairs Clinic: 3141 Centennial Boulevard, Colorado Springs, CO 80907. Offers primary care, mental health, audiology, cardiology, dental, and more. Phone: 719-327-5660
Garden of the Gods VA Clinic: 1365 Garden of the Gods Road, Suite 105, Colorado Springs, CO 80907. Phone: 719-593-5300
Space Center VA Clinic: 565 Space Center Drive, Suite 130, Colorado Springs, CO 80915. Phone: 719-638-5000
Union Boulevard VA Clinic: 3920 North Union Boulevard, Suite 200, Colorado Springs, CO 80907. Phone: 719-327-5660
Academy VA Clinic: 4102 Pinion Drive, Suite 1552, USAF Academy, CO 80840. Phone: 719-333-1507
Evans VA Clinic: 1650 Cochrane Circle, Suite 2805, Fort Carson, CO 80913. Phone: 719-526-7000
Housing Assistance and Support for Colorado Springs Veterans
Veteran homelessness is a concern nationwide. In Colorado Springs, local organizations work tirelessly to support veterans facing housing instability. If you or a veteran you know needs housing assistance, resources like the El Paso County Veterans Service Office and Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center can provide referrals to local programs and VA housing initiatives.
At Hill & Ponton, we prioritize representing veterans at risk of homelessness or unemployment. We understand this is where our legal expertise makes the biggest impact.
If you’re a disabled veteran in Colorado Springs or El Paso County facing a denied VA claim or seeking a higher rating, you don’t have to navigate this challenging process alone. Our VA lawyers have the experience, dedication, and knowledge to help you succeed. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation.