In Lawton and across Comanche County, thousands of veterans rely on VA disability benefits to manage their health, cover everyday expenses, and support their families. Unfortunately, too many of those claims are denied or rated too low, often because veterans don’t have the legal help needed to fight back against a complicated system.
At Hill & Ponton, we focus entirely on VA disability law. Founded by a veteran, our law firm is dedicated to standing up for those who served. We understand how frustrating and overwhelming the claims process can be, and we know how much a bad decision can impact your future, your finances, and your peace of mind.
We’ve helped thousands of veterans across the country win their appeals and we’re proud to serve veterans right here in Lawton. There’s no upfront cost to work with us, and you won’t pay a fee unless we win your case. If you’ve been denied, underrated, or ignored, tell us your story and let us go to work for you.
Our Legal Services
- Monthly Disability Compensation: We work with veterans to secure the highest possible rating for both physical and mental health issues. If the VA has underpaid you or denied your claim in the past, we’ll also pursue back pay -money the VA may owe you dating back to your original filing.
- VA Disability Appeals: If your VA claim was denied or rated too low, you don’t have to accept that decision. We manage the full appeals process, from reviewing your file to collecting new medical evidence and presenting a strong case, so your claim gets a fair and thorough review.
- Increased Compensation: For veterans whose conditions have worsened over time, we also handle claims for increased ratings. Whether existing symptoms have intensified or new conditions have developed, we push for a higher compensation level.
- Special Monthly Compensation: Some disabilities go beyond the basic rating schedule. If you need help with daily tasks, have lost use of a limb, or suffer from severe impairments, we pursue Special Monthly Compensation, a benefit designed to provide extra financial support in these more serious cases.
- Total Disability Based on Individual Unemployability: Even if your rating is less than 100%, you may still qualify for full disability pay if your condition prevents full-time employment, including any back pay if applicable.
- DIC and Survivor Benefits: When a service-connected condition leads to a veteran’s death, we help spouses, children, and parents secure the financial support they need and deserve, through Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) and accrued benefits.
Disability Ratings and Compensation
A veteran’s VA compensation and benefits are tied to their disability rating. The higher the rating, the more the VA pays each month. These ratings are awarded in 10% increments, ranging from 10% to 100%, and reflect the severity of your service-connected condition and how much it affects your day-to-day life. The current rates for a single veteran with no dependents are:
- 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
Once spouses, children or dependent parents are factored in, those numbers grow even more. You can estimate compensation with the VA disability calculator.
Monthly payments are not the only support available. The state also provides financial relief and various programs for disabled veterans. If you’re rated at 100% or receive TDIU benefits, you may qualify for a full property tax exemption on your primary residence, and more. Oklahoma state benefits stacked on top of your VA compensation can ease the financial burden on you and your family, especially during times of limited work capacity.
Work with us to get your Benefits
Proving Toxic Exposure Claims
Many veterans in Lawton served at bases across Oklahoma and beyond where dangerous chemicals were regularly used. The following military installations have documented or suspected toxic exposure risks:
- Fort Sill – Located just north of Lawton, Fort Sill has a long history of artillery training, vehicle maintenance, and fire suppression exercises. These activities potentially introduced toxic substances into the environment, including PFAS from firefighting foam, and industrial solvents used in equipment maintenance.
- Altus Air Force Base – Throughout decades of operations, including firefighting readiness, aircraft maintenance, and other support activities, the base has used firefighting foam and other materials containing dangerous chemicals such as PFAS.
- Tinker Air Force Base – Though located in the Oklahoma City area, many Lawton-based service members passed through or were stationed at Tinker AFB. The base has been associated with groundwater contamination from degreasers, solvents, and PFAS chemicals.
- Camp Gruber – This Oklahoma Army National Guard facility, southeast of Muskogee, was found to have PFAS chemicals in its water system. Veterans who trained or served there may have been exposed through contaminated drinking water or soil.
Veterans who served at any of these bases and later developed chronic illnesses could be entitled to compensation. Even if your claim was previously denied, Hill & Ponton can help you reopen your case with stronger evidence and legal guidance to connect your condition to your military service.
Meeting VA Standards
Getting VA disability benefits is about presenting the right kind of evidence that clearly links your health problems to your time in service. Whether you’re dealing with a physical injury, PTSD, or an illness tied to toxic exposure, the VA will only approve your claim if it meets 3 requirements.
- You need a current medical diagnosis from a licensed healthcare provider. This can come from a VA facility in Lawton, a nearby clinic, or a private doctor. Without an official diagnosis showing that you’re currently living with the condition, the VA won’t move forward.
- There must be proof that something happened during your military service that caused or contributed to your condition. This could be an injury during training, a documented exposure to hazardous chemicals, or medical records showing symptoms that began while you were still in uniform.
- Your claim must include a “nexus” statement. This is a medical opinion linking the current disability to the time spent in the military. A doctor or medical expert must state that the condition is at least as likely as not related to service.
At Hill & Ponton, we guide Lawton veterans through the VA appeals process from beginning to end. We collect the right medical records, trace the history of your condition back to your service, and work with experienced professionals to secure strong nexus opinions that meet the VA’s strict standards. If your claim has been denied, we’re here to help you get it back on track.
Tell us about your case
Why Choose Hill & Ponton?
Many veterans in Lawton start the VA disability process on their own. But when your claim is denied, delayed, or rated too low to reflect how much your condition affects your life, having an experienced legal team by your side can make all the difference.
The VA appeals system is complicated: full of strict deadlines, specific forms, and ever-changing rules. One small misstep, like missing evidence or a late submission, can delay your case for months or even years. That’s where Hill & Ponton steps in. We’re not a general law firm that dabbles in VA cases.
Disability law is our sole focus, and we’ve represented thousands of veterans across the country, including right here in southwest Oklahoma. Our disability lawyers are VA-accredited and deeply familiar with the appeals process at every level. Here’s what sets us apart:
- We Know the VA Inside and Out. Our team tracks every legal and policy update to ensure your case is built using the most up-to-date and effective approach.
- We Build Strong Appeals from Day One. Whether it’s a Supplemental Claim, a Higher-Level Review, or an appeal before the Board of Veterans’ Appeals, we prepare a complete, evidence-based case to give you the best chance at success.
- We Take the Pressure Off You. From obtaining your C-file to coordinating medical opinions and communicating with the VA on your behalf, we manage every step so you can focus on your health and family.
- We Fight for the Full Benefits You Deserve. Too many veterans are underrated or miss out on benefits like TDIU or Special Monthly Compensation. We work to secure the highest rating and all benefits you’re entitled to under the law.
Local Resources for Veterans in Lawton and Comanche County
- Comanche County Veterans Service Office – This local office provides direct assistance to veterans and their families with preparing and submitting VA claims, gathering necessary documentation, and understanding available federal and state benefits. Veterans are encouraged to schedule appointments for personalized support. Address: 315 SW 5th Street, Room 206, Lawton, OK 73501. Phone: (580) 355-4017
- Lawton Vet Center – Provides confidential counseling services for combat veterans and those dealing with PTSD, military sexual trauma, or transition stress. Outreach and family support services are also available. Address: 4302 SE Lee Blvd, Suite A, Lawton, OK 73501. Phone: (580) 585-5880
- Fort Sill VA Clinic – Offers primary care, mental health services, and limited specialty care to veterans in the region. This clinic serves as a key point of contact for those enrolled in VA healthcare. Address: 4303 Pittman Street, Lawton, OK 73505. Phone: (580) 585-5600
- Fort Sill Army Base Medical Services – While Fort Sill is an active-duty military base, some veterans may receive care or referrals through its facilities or collaborate with VA clinics in the area. The base remains an important part of the veteran community in Lawton and often works in conjunction with VA programs.
Veterans Housing Assistance and Support
A recent count by the Southwest Oklahoma Continuum of Care found over 350 people experiencing homelessness in Lawton, though the real number is likely much higher. Comanche County also faces a high rate of evictions and housing remains a major burden, with 43.5% of Comanche County residents being rent-burdened and 16.4% living below the poverty line. Veterans with physical and mental disabilities are likely to be disproportionately affected.
Local organizations and national programs offer veterans multiple pathways to get off the streets or avoid eviction and to regain stability. Programs like Supportive Services for Veteran Families provide rapid re‑housing or homelessness prevention aid for veterans and their families who are homeless or at risk of eviction, including temporary financial assistance for rent, security deposits, utilities, and case management to stabilize living situations. The Lawton VA Clinic and the local Vet Center serve as points of contact for homeless or at‑risk veterans, who are offered medical and mental health care, counseling, transitional housing, and permanent supportive housing.
At Hill & Ponton, we know that housing instability and denied or delayed VA disability claims often go hand in hand. If your benefits claim has been underrated or rejected and that’s affecting your ability to secure stable housing, we’re ready to help. We work on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront and we only collect a fee after we win your case. Let us help you take the next step toward housing security and the benefits you deserve.