More than 60% of New York’s newest veterans are living with a disability and many face significant hurdles in accessing the benefits they deserve. Older veterans can sometimes live years and years with disabilities for which they are repeatedly denied proper compensation. That’s where we step in.
At Hill & Ponton, we specialize in helping disabled veterans navigate the VA appeals process to get the correct disability rating and benefits. Our VA disability lawyers have successfully handled appeals for thousands of disabled veterans in New York and across the nation. We would be honored to do the same for you.
Our VA Lawyers Help You Secure Maximum Benefits
- VA Disability Appeals: If your claim for service-connected compensation was denied, you don’t have to struggle with the complex VA appeals process alone. Our attorneys will review your case, gather evidence, and build a strong argument to challenge the VA’s decision.
- Disability Rating Increases: If your service-connected condition has worsened, you may be entitled to a higher disability rating and increased monthly compensation. We can help you appeal to obtain an increase and provide the medical evidence needed to prove your case.
- Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC): We assist surviving spouses, children, and parents of service members who died in the line of duty or from a service-related injury or illness. We can help you secure the DIC benefits you are entitled to.
- Special Monthly Compensation (SMC): These are additional, tax-free benefits for veterans with severe disabilities, such as the loss of a limb, blindness, or the need for A&A. Our lawyers can determine if you qualify and help you pursue these crucial benefits.
- Total Disability Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU): If your service-connected disabilities prevent you from maintaining substantially gainful employment, you may be eligible for TDIU, which pays at the 100% disability rate even if your combined rating is lower. We have a proven track record of success with TDIU claims.
Disability Ratings and Compensation
A disability rating is a percentage (from 0% to 100%) that the VA assigns to your service-connected condition. This rating determines the amount of tax-free monthly compensation you receive.
If you have multiple disabilities, the VA uses a combined rating table, not simple addition, to calculate your overall rating. This rating is critical, as it dictates the level of financial support you and your family will receive.
To see the current compensation amounts and calculate your potential rating, use our VA Disability Calculator.
Here’s how much a single New York veteran with no dependents currently earns per month based on the overall disability rating:
- 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
State Benefits for New York Veterans
In addition to federal benefits, New York offers its own state benefits to disabled veterans, from educational and employment opportunities to financial assistance and transportation benefits.
Work with us to get your benefits
When Should You Hire a VA Disability Lawyer?
While you can work with a Veteran Service Officer (VSO) to file your initial claim, the appeals process is where a dedicated VA disability lawyer can make a significant difference. VSOs often lack the legal expertise and resources to handle complex appeals effectively – in addition, the laws and regulations governing VA appeals are constantly changing.
An experienced attorney can analyze the VA’s decision, identify legal errors, gather the specific evidence needed to win, and represent you in hearings before a Veterans Law Judge.
At Hill & Ponton, we specialize in VA appeals. Our VA appeal lawyers practice disability law exclusively, with the single purpose of winning your case and getting you the benefits you deserve.
Hill & Ponton is proud to have a 96% success rate for the VA disability appeals we handle. Our experience, dedication, and thorough understanding of VA law allow us to build the strongest possible appeals for our clients in the state of New York and across the nation.
What It Takes to Win a VA Appeal
Many veterans in New York have their initial disability claims denied, often due to a lack of sufficient medical evidence linking their condition to their military service. This link, known as a “nexus,” is one of the most critical components of a successful claim.
The VA requires three key things to approve a disability claim:
- A current, diagnosed disability.
- An in-service event, injury, or illness.
- A nexus letter from a qualified medical professional connecting the two and explicitly stating the condition is “at least as likely as not” related to the military service.
Our New York disability lawyers can help you win on appeal by ensuring all these requirements are met, particularly the medical nexus.
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VA Disability for New York Veterans Exposed to Toxins
From contaminated water at military bases to burn pits exposure in the Middle East, many service members came in contact with dangerous substances that are now linked to serious medical conditions, including cancer.
New York veterans may have been exposed to toxins at various military installations before they returned home, including in the state of New York itself. Some of the New York locations with known contamination issues include:
- Fort Drum: In addition to being an early test site for Agent Orange, this base is currently known for PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) contamination.
- Griffiss Air Force Base: Identified as a PFAS contamination site under the Air Force BRAC (Base Realignment and Closure) program.
- Hancock Field Air National Guard Base: This New York military installation near Syracuse is also investigated for PFAS contamination.
- Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station: Identified as a PFAS site from the historical use of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) for firefighting.
- Plattsburgh Air Force Base: Found to have been contaminated with TCE, heavy metals and numerous other toxins.
- Seneca Army Depot: A now closed military site in New York investigated for PFAS contamination.
- Camp Smith: In addition to PFAS on the site, other harmful substances like barium, chloroform, manganese, and strontium have been detected in the nearby water supply, potentially originating from the base.
- Defense Fuel Support Point Verona: A jet fuel depot where toxic elements were found in ground water sources and in soil samples.
VA Legal Resources and Lawyers Near You
New York City
New York Regional Office: 201 Varick Street, New York, NY 10014 | Phone: 800-827-1000
Buffalo
Buffalo Regional Office: 130 South Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14202-2478 | Phone: 800-827-1000
New York State Facilities Offering Assistance to Disabled Veterans
NY Vet Centers
Vet Centers provide confidential readjustment counseling, outreach, and referral services to veterans and their families.
Albany Vet Center: 1610-1620 Central Avenue, Albany, NY 12205 | Phone: 518-626-5130
Binghamton Vet Center: 53 Chenango Street, Binghamton, NY 13901 | Phone: 607-722-2393
Brooklyn Vet Center: 111 Livingston Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201 | Phone: 718-630-2830
Buffalo Vet Center: 2929 Union Road, Suite 54, Cheektowaga, NY 14227 | Phone: 716-862-7350
Manhattan Vet Center: 519 8th Avenue, Suite 2401, New York, NY 10018 | Phone: 212-951-6866
Syracuse Vet Center: 109 Pine Street, Syracuse, NY 13210 | Phone: 315-478-7127
Watertown Vet Center: 1511 Washington Street, Watertown, NY 13601 | Phone: 315-782-5479
VA Medical Centers
Albany Stratton VA Medical Center: 113 Holland Avenue, Albany, NY 12208
Bath VA Medical Center: 76 Veterans Avenue, Bath, NY 14810
Bronx VA Medical Center: 130 West Kingsbridge Road, Bronx, NY 10468
Brooklyn VA Medical Center: 800 Poly Place, Brooklyn, NY 11209
Buffalo VA Medical Center: 3495 Bailey Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14215
Canandaigua VA Medical Center: 400 Fort Hill Avenue, Canandaigua, NY 14424
Margaret Cochran Corbin VA Campus (Manhattan): 423 East 23rd Street, New York, NY 10010
Northport VA Medical Center: 79 Middleville Road, Northport, NY 11768
Syracuse VA Medical Center: 800 Irving Avenue, Syracuse, NY 13210
St. Albans VA Medical Center: 179-00 Linden Boulevard, Queens, NY 11424
Housing Assistance and Support for Veterans in the State of New York
New York is home to more than 600,000 veterans and many struggle with poverty. In a study done on veterans recently separated from the military, approximately one-quarter of respondents had experienced food insecurity. The state has however made incredible strides in reducing veteran homelessness – an 83% decrease between 2010 and 2022, the largest of any U.S. state.
Its success is largely due to federal programs like HUD-VASH, which provides rental assistance vouchers and case management services. If you are a veteran facing homelessness or housing insecurity, these programs are vital resources. Organizations like the New York State Division of Veterans’ Services can help you access both federal and state benefits.
At Hill & Ponton, we prioritize veterans who are homeless, at risk of homelessness or lacking employment. If you’re facing hardship and you’ve been denied or underrated by the VA, we offer you a quick, free, no obligation review for a potential appeal. Our New York VA disability lawyers don’t charge anything upfront and only get paid if you get paid.