Phenix City is home to over 3,100 veterans, many of whom rely on disability benefits to support their daily needs. But the VA too often denies or underrates veterans who don’t have the knowledge or ability to fight back.
At Hill & Ponton, VA disability law isn’t just what we do, it’s all we do. Founded by a veteran, our law firm is dedicated to helping disabled veterans overturn denials and win higher ratings. We understand how complex the VA system can be and we know how deeply these decisions affect your livelihood, your health, and your family’s stability.
We’ve successfully represented thousands of veterans nationwide, including right here in Alabama, and we’re proud to stand with those who served. There are no upfront costs, and you don’t pay anything unless we win your appeal. Tell us about your claim and let us put our decades of experience to work for you.
Our Legal Services
- Disability Compensation: We work to ensure veterans receive the maximum monthly compensation for physical or psychological conditions that began during service or were made worse by military duties, injuries, or deployments.
- VA Appeals: Has your claim been denied? Our legal team will handle every step of the appeals process. We focus on overturning unfair decisions and recovering any back pay you may be owed.
- Increased Compensation: If your health has declined or your condition has worsened over time, you may be eligible for a higher VA disability rating – and larger monthly benefits. We’ll fight for an updated rating that reflects your current limitations.
- Survivor Benefits: Spouses, children, and parents of veterans who passed away due to service-connected conditions may be eligible for survivor benefits. We help families access the support they’re entitled to through Dependency and Indemnity Compensation and other death benefits.
- Special Monthly Compensation: We assist veterans who are housebound, need personal assistance, or suffer from serious disabilities (such as blindness) in winning additional financial support in the form of special monthly compensation.
- Total Disability Based on Individual Unemployability: If your service-connected conditions prevent you from maintaining full-time employment, you could receive 100% disability benefits, even if your current rating is lower. Our TDIU lawyers will develop a strong, evidence-based case to win this benefit.
Winning Your VA Disability Claim
To get approved for VA disability benefits, the VA requires three essential elements: a confirmed medical diagnosis, documented evidence of an injury, illness, or event (such as toxic exposure) during your military service, and a medical opinion (known as a “nexus”) linking the two.
Claims are often denied because the VA doesn’t see a strong enough connection between your current condition and your time in service. Other common reasons include missing medical documentation, errors in VA processing, or simple mistakes like missed deadlines or incomplete forms.
At Hill & Ponton, we know how overwhelming this process can be, especially if you’ve appealing. Our attorneys are VA-accredited and focused solely on disability law. We work with veterans in Phenix City and across Alabama to review denied claims, track down missing evidence, obtain detailed medical nexus statements, and make sure every required form is submitted correctly and on time.
If your claim has been denied or your rating seems too low, we’re here to help you fight back and pursue the full compensation you deserve.
free case evaluation
Proving Toxic Exposure Claims
Does your VA claim hinge on proving toxic exposure and linking it to your disability? Russell County has a large population of military personnel who served in the Gulf War and may have been affected by burn pits. Closer to home, U.S. military bases are being investigated for harmful chemicals causing serious medical problems. Several military installations near Phenix City have confirmed environmental concerns:
- Fort McClellan (Anniston, AL): Officially acknowledged by the VA (but without a VA presumption) for contamination with chemical warfare agents (mustard gas, nerve agents), radioactive materials (cesium-137, cobalt-60), PFAS and PCB.
- Anniston Army Depot (Anniston, AL): Longstanding Superfund site due to contamination from solvents (TCE), petroleum products, heavy metals and explosives linked to health conditions such as cancer and neurological disorders.
- Fort Benning (now part of Fort Moore in Columbus, GA): While this base is in Georgia, it’s in the proximity of Phenix City and has connections to Alabama communities. Known concerns include lead contamination, unexploded ordnance, petroleum waste, and possible PFAS use in fire suppression training areas.
If you spent time at or near any of these bases (or others in the U.S. with documented presence of toxins) and developed a medical condition, your health issues may be related to toxic exposure. Even if the VA doesn’t recognize this and denies your original claim, you still have the right to appeal. Our attorneys will be proud to represent you – contact us today for a free case evaluation.
Disability Ratings and Compensation
When the VA evaluates your disability claim, it assigns a rating in 10% increments (ranging from 10% to 100%) based on how severely your service-connected condition impacts your ability to function in daily life. This rating directly determines the amount of tax-free compensation you’ll receive each month.
If you’re living with multiple service-connected conditions, the VA doesn’t just add the percentages together. Instead, it uses a combined ratings formula that weighs each condition in relation to your remaining “unaffected” health, which often results in a lower total than simple addition would suggest.
Below are the current monthly payments to a disabled 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
If you have a spouse, children, or dependent parents, your total compensation will be higher. You can calculate your disability rating here.
In addition to federal compensation, many veterans are also eligible for state-specific programs, such as property tax exemptions, reduced vehicle fees, or educational assistance for dependents. These Alabama state benefits can provide meaningful financial relief alongside your VA payments.
Work with us to get your Benefits
When Do You Need a VA Disability Lawyer?
If you’re just starting your VA claim, the Russell County Veterans Service Office or a local VSO can help you submit your application. But when your claim has been denied, your rating is too low, or the VA refuses to acknowledge the link between your condition and your service, it’s time to consider expert legal help.
Working with a VA-accredited attorney gives you a major advantage during the appeals process. VA disability law is complicated, and the rules are always evolving. Legal reforms like the Appeals Modernization Act have changed how appeals work, and missing a step or deadline can delay your case or lead to another denial.
At Hill & Ponton, we don’t just file paperwork – we build strong, evidence-based appeals that meet the VA’s standards. Our legal team stays current with every change in VA policies and procedures to ensure your case is handled correctly, from start to finish.
Whether you need a nexus statement, additional medical evidence, or someone to represent you before the Board of Veterans’ Appeals, we’re here to help. Our attorneys have handled complex cases involving toxic exposure, PTSD, and long-term conditions that were previously denied.
We’ve helped thousands of veterans in Alabama and across the country secure their rightful benefits and we’re proud of our 96% success rate in the cases we accept. If the VA has rated you incorrectly or your condition has worsened, we’re ready to fight for you. Find out more about the veterans we’ve already assisted.
Local Resources for Veterans Near Phenix City
While our legal team proudly serves veterans in Phenix City and neighboring areas (Smiths Station, Fort Mitchell, Seale, Columbus GA), local veterans also have access to a network of trusted VA offices, clinics, and support programs committed to their health and well-being.
Like many veteran-heavy communities, Phenix City and Fort Mitchell have a significant portion of the population living with disabilities, including mental health conditions, orthopedic injuries, airway diseases, and hearing loss. These veterans depend on a combination of services from the Central Alabama VA Medical Center, the VA clinic in Columbus (GA), and local support from the Russell County Veterans Service Office.
- Russell County Veterans Service Office: Offers help with VA disability claims, pensions, and survivor benefits. Walk-in and appointment services available. Address: 1000 Broad Street, Phenix City, AL 36867; Phone: (334) 298‑8712
- Columbus VA Clinic: Nearest VA outpatient clinic to Phenix City. Offers primary care, mental health counseling, and HUD-VASH support services. Address: 1310 13th Avenue, Columbus, GA 31901; Phone: (706) 257‑7200
- Central Alabama VA Medical Center – Tuskegee (East Campus): Primary VA hospital for Phenix City-area veterans. Provides outpatient, inpatient, mental health, and specialty services. Address: 2400 Hospital Road, Tuskegee, AL 36083; Phone: (334) 727‑0550
Housing Assistance and Support in Phenix City and Russell County
Russell County and Phenix City have a notably high proportion of veterans and a significant number face housing instability due to health challenges, unemployment, or long-standing claim delays. To support these individuals, multiple agencies are working in coordination with local organizations to prevent and address veteran homelessness.
Programs like HUD-VASH are active in the region, offering a combination of housing vouchers and long-term case management through the VA. This program allows veterans to secure stable housing while accessing medical care, counseling, and job support services. The Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program is also available to veterans in Russell County and the surrounding area. It offers short-term financial help, covering expenses such as rent, utility bills, security deposits, or emergency lodging for veterans without stable shelter.
However, for many disabled veterans, the key to maintaining housing is securing the full disability compensation they’ve earned. An increase in benefits can provide the reliable monthly income needed to afford rent, utilities, and basic necessities, especially for those who are unable to work due to service-connected conditions.
If you’re a veteran in Russell County struggling to stay housed and you’ve been denied disability benefits that could help you get back on your feet, Hill & Ponton is here to help. Our attorneys focus exclusively on VA disability law and have years of experience overturning unfair denials and increasing disability ratings. There’s no charge unless we win your case. Reach out to us for a free case evaluation and take the next step toward stability.