VA-Accredited Disability Lawyers in DeLand, FL

Legal Services for DeLand Veterans

• VA Disability Appeals: If your initial claim was denied, don’t give up. We specialize in identifying errors, gathering crucial evidence, and building strong arguments to challenge VA denials through the available appeal lanes (Supplemental Claim, Higher-Level Review, Board Appeal). 
• Rating Increases: If your service-connected condition has worsened, or if you believe your initial rating didn’t accurately reflect your level of disability, we can help you file for an increased rating. 
• Disability Compensation: We fight to ensure you receive the maximum monthly compensation you are entitled to, for all your service-connected disabilities, whether they are orthopedic injuries, gastrointestinal issues, migraines or PTSD. 
• Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC): We assist surviving spouses, children, and parents of veterans whose death resulted from a service-related injury or disease. 
• Special Monthly Compensation (SMC): This additional compensation is available for veterans with specific needs or circumstances, such as the loss of use of limbs, blindness, or the need for aid and attendance. We can assess your eligibility and fight for these additional benefits. 
• Total Disability Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU): If your service-connected disabilities prevent you from maintaining substantially gainful employment, even if your combined rating is less than 100%, you may be eligible for TDIU, which pays at the 100% rate. Our lawyers can help veterans win TDIU.

Winning Claims and Appeals

Many veterans find their initial VA claims denied, often due to insufficient evidence, missing documentation, or failure to establish a clear link, or “nexus,” between their condition and their military service. Understanding why claims are denied is the first step toward a successful appeal.

What Do You Need to Win an Appeal?

1. A Current Diagnosis: You must have a current medical diagnosis of the disability for which you are claiming benefits. 
2. An In-Service Event/Injury/Illness: There must be evidence of an event, injury, or illness that occurred during your active military service. 
3. A Medical Nexus: Medical evidence must link the current diagnosis to the in-service event, injury, or illness. 

Establishing the nexus is often the most challenging part of a VA claim, especially for conditions that appear years after service. This is particularly true for disabilities linked to toxic exposures during military service. 

Proving Toxic Exposure Claims

Many veterans were exposed to harmful substances during their service without realizing the long-term health consequences. The PACT Act, passed in 2022, significantly expanded benefits for veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxins by establishing “presumptive conditions”. This means that for certain conditions and specific service locations/times, the VA automatically assumes (presumes) the connection to service, simplifying the claims process. 

But if your condition isn’t presumptive and the VA denies your claim, you may need help establishing a nexus based on toxic exposure. This is where Hill & Ponton lawyers can make the most impact. We have the experience and knowledge to navigate the VA appeals process effectively and secure your rightful benefits.

When Is a VA Disability Lawyer Necessary?

While you can navigate the VA system alone or with help from a Veteran Service Officer (VSO) for initial claims, hiring an experienced VA disability lawyer for an appeal offers significant advantages. 

Appealing a denial requires in-depth legal knowledge, strategic evidence gathering (including medical opinions), and persuasive argumentation before VA judges or review officers. Attorneys understand the nuances of VA law and how to effectively challenge unfavorable decisions.

Why Choose Hill & Ponton?

• Appeal Specialists: Hill & Ponton specializes in VA disability appeals. We know the VA system inside and out.
• Focused Expertise: We prioritize disabled veterans who face housing and employment problems. If your claim has been denied, your rating is too low or your disabilities make it impossible to keep a job, our experienced VA disability lawyers can fight on your behalf.
• Locally Based: Our firm (founded by a Florida veteran) maintains a strong local presence right here in DeLand. While we serve veterans nationwide, we are proud to have assisted many disabled veterans in DeLand and the surrounding areas.
• Proven Success: We have a strong track record of success helping veterans in Florida and across the country win their appeal. 

What Is the Success Rate of VA Lawyers?

Success rates can vary widely depending on the firm and the specifics of the cases they handle. Hill & Ponton is consistently winning cases, with a 96% success rate for appeals nationwide.

We are proud of our work securing benefits for veterans in DeLand, Florida and across the nation. See what our clients say about the impact we’ve made in their lives.