The complexity of the VA claims process often leaves disabled veterans without their rightful benefits, despite having medical conditions caused by their time in uniform. Older veterans can sometimes live years and years with disabilities for which they are denied proper compensation. That’s where we come in.
At Hill & Ponton, veterans’ disability law isn’t just something we do: it’s all we do. Our VA-accredited attorneys have handled thousands of successful appeals in Columbia, South Carolina and nationwide.
If your claim has been denied, your rating is too low, or you believe you’re missing out on TDIU or special monthly compensation, let us review your case. We win 96% of the cases we take on and we would be proud to represent you too.
Our Legal Services for Veterans in Columbia, SC
- Disability Compensation: We help veterans secure the maximum disability compensation they’re entitled to receive for physical and mental health conditions caused or made worse by military service.
- VA Appeals: If the VA denied your claim, or the VA gave you a rating that doesn’t reflect your level of disability, we’ll choose the most appropriate appeal path (Supplemental Claim, Higher-Level Review, or Board of Veterans’ Appeals) and gather the required evidence.
- Rating Increases: If you were unfairly rated or your condition worsened since the initial decision, we’ll help you request a higher rating so your benefits accurately reflect the impact on your health and quality of life.
- Survivor Benefits: We assist spouses, dependent children, and parents in obtaining DIC and other survivor benefits they’re entitled to receive after the death of the veteran.
- Total Disability Based on Individual Unemployability: If your service-connected disabilities prevent you from maintaining steady employment, you may qualify for TDIU and get paid at the maximum rate even if your combined rating is under 100%.
- Special Monthly Compensation (SMC): For veterans with severe disabilities or specific needs (such as loss of use of a limb or the need for assistance with daily tasks), we can pursue this higher level of compensation, beyond the 100% disability rate, to account for the additional hardships.
Why Choose Hill & Ponton?
- We’re Veteran Founded and Veteran Focused: Our firm was founded by a veteran, and many on our team have firsthand experience with the challenges of military life. That shared background fuels our passion and drives us to fight for every veteran we represent.
- VA Appeals Are Our Mission: Unlike general law firms or benefits groups, Hill & Ponton focuses exclusively on VA disability appeals. We know the system inside and out, including the latest changes in VA law, regulations, and appeal procedures. Whether your claim was wrongly denied or your rating is too low, we’re here to correct it.
- We Develop Successful Cases: We don’t just refile paperwork – we build compelling, evidence-based appeals. Our team helps gather the medical records, secure expert opinions, and develop the legal arguments needed to prove your case and push for the maximum benefits available.
- A Proven Track Record: We’re proud of our 96% national success rate for the VA appeals we take on. Read the stories of the veterans we’ve helped and contact us to find out how we can support your fight for the benefits you deserve.
Meeting the VA Requirements
It’s very common for veterans to receive denial letters after filing an initial disability claim, often for various errors or because they’re missing the evidence linking their condition to their military service. To approve a disability claim, the VA looks for three essential components:
- A current medical diagnosis – You must have a formally diagnosed physical or mental health condition.
- An in-service event, injury, or illness – There must be documented evidence showing that something happened during your military service that could have caused or aggravated your condition.
- A medical nexus – A licensed medical professional must provide an opinion that your condition is “at least as likely as not” connected to your time in service. This connection, known as the nexus, is the cornerstone of any successful VA claim or appeal.
Our VA-accredited attorneys work closely with medical experts to develop strong nexus letters and gather the kind of detailed, compelling evidence the VA needs to see. If your claim was denied because of missing medical connections, or if you’re unsure how to move forward with your appeal, we’ll work tirelessly to build a strong case and win the benefits you deserve.
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Proving Toxic Exposure Claims
From exposure to burn pits overseas to toxic chemicals used right here at home, many service members came into contact with hazardous substances during their military service, often without knowing the long-term health risks. These exposures have been linked to serious medical conditions, including various cancers, respiratory issues, autoimmune disorders, and organ damage.
Veterans are at particular risk of exposure to PFAS, the “forever chemicals” that contaminate many military installations in South Carolina, such as:
- Fort Jackson (Columbia) – The state’s largest Army training base has PFAS contamination from the use of firefighting foam (AFFF) and other hazardous materials. Soil and groundwater testing is ongoing, and veterans may have been exposed through drinking water or environmental contact.
- McCrady Training Center (Eastover) – Located just outside Columbia, this National Guard facility is under active investigation for multiple PFAS contamination sites, including fire stations and fuel points. Elevated levels have been found in groundwater samples.
- McEntire Joint National Guard Base (Richland County) – PFAS contamination has been found in private wells near the base. Ongoing testing and site assessments continue under Department of Defense oversight.
- Shaw Air Force Base – Located about 40 miles east of Columbia, Shaw AFB has confirmed high PFAS levels in groundwater and surrounding wells. Some local water systems near the base have exceeded the EPA’s health advisory limits, raising concerns for veterans and nearby residents.
Additionally, many veterans trained at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island (roughly 65 miles south of Charleston), which has been designated a Superfund site due to contamination with PCBs, lead, solvents, and other toxins.
If you served at any of these military installations and developed health conditions related to toxic exposure, you may be entitled to VA benefits. Our lawyers can build the legal case necessary to ensure your disability is recognized and compensated appropriately.
How Much Is Your Disability Rating Worth?
Veterans with service-connected health conditions are rated by the VA in 10% increments to reflect the severity of their disability. This rating directly determines the monthly payments you’re eligible to receive.
If you have multiple service-connected disabilities, the VA won’t simply add those ratings together. Instead, it uses a specific formula that often results in a combined rating lower than the simple total. That’s why it’s so important to pursue the highest possible rating: every percentage point can make a meaningful difference in your monthly benefits.
Below is the current compensation for a single veteran with no dependents:
- 10%: $180.42
- 20%: $356.66
- 30%: $552.47
- 40%: $795.84
- 50%: $1,132.90
- 60%: $1,435.02
- 70%: $1,808.45
- 80%: $2,102.15
- 90%: $2,362.30
- 100%: $3,938.58
There are added amounts for veterans with spouses, children, or dependent parents. You can calculate your total disability rating and compensation here.
Beyond federal support, disabled veterans in Columbia also have access to South Carolina state benefits and county programs. These can include property tax exemptions, reduced college tuition, housing assistance, and more – all designed to ease the cost of living and honor your service.
Work with us to get your benefits
Resources for Disabled Veterans in Columbia, SC
The city of Columbia offers comprehensive support to its disabled veterans, from full medical care at the Dorn VA Medical Center to confidential counseling at the Columbia Vet Center, and hands-on help with claims and benefits at the regional VA office.
Veteran Assistance
Columbia Regional Benefit Office: 6437 Garners Ferry Rd, Columbia, SC 29209; Phone: 800-827‑1000
Helps with VA benefits like disability compensation, education benefits, pensions, home loans, insurance.
Richland County Veterans Affairs: 2020 Hampton St, Columbia, SC 29204; Phone: 803-576‑1939
Assists veterans and their families with federal, state, and county benefits, including VA claims, pensions, records access, and survivor services.
VA Healthcare
Wm. Jennings Bryan Dorn VA Medical Center: 6439 Garners Ferry Road, Columbia, SC 29209; Phone: 803‑776‑4000
Full-service VA hospital offering primary care, specialty clinics, surgery, mental health care, and emergency services.
Columbia Vet Center: 1710 Richland Street, Suite A, Columbia, SC 29201; Phone: 803‑765‑9944
Provides free services, including PTSD therapy, family counseling, MST support, and referrals for benefits or housing assistance.
Housing Assistance and Support
As of the latest data, nearly 400 veterans across South Carolina experience homelessness on a given night, and thousands more live in housing that is overcrowded, unaffordable, or substandard. In Columbia, where the veteran population is sizable due to Fort Jackson and surrounding military activity, the need for targeted support is especially critical.
Local programs and nonprofits in Richland County and the Columbia area assist veterans with temporary shelter, case management, and reentry support for veterans working toward long-term stability. The William Jennings Bryan Dorn VA Medical Center provides Health Care for Homeless Veterans services that connect homeless and at-risk veterans with housing support, medical and mental health services, job training, and other vital resources.
At Hill & Ponton, we specialize in helping homeless or unemployed veterans secure disability benefits when the VA denies their claims or the ratings fall short. We never charge upfront fees, and we’ll evaluate your case at no cost. Get a free case evaluation here.