VA Disability Lawyers Proudly Serving Veterans in Phoenix, AZ

Our Legal Services for Veterans in Phoenix, AZ

• Appeals: If your initial VA claim was denied, we can navigate the complex VA appeals process on your behalf. We understand the deadlines and evidence needed to build a strong appeal and win your case.
• Maximum Disability Compensation: We assist veterans in obtaining compensation for injuries or diseases incurred or aggravated during active military service. If your service-connected condition has worsened, you may be eligible for an increased disability rating – which means higher compensation.
• Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC): We help surviving spouses, children, and parents of service members who died in the line of duty or from a service-related injury or illness obtain DIC benefits.
• Special Monthly Compensation (SMC): SMC is paid in addition to regular VA disability compensation for veterans with specific needs or circumstances, such as the loss of use of limbs or specific sensory functions. We can evaluate eligibility and assist you in obtaining this extra compensation, if you qualify.
• Total Disability Based on Individual Unemployability: If your service-connected disabilities prevent you from maintaining substantially gainful employment, even if your combined rating is less than 100%, TDIU allows you to be paid at the 100% rate.   

Winning Claims and Appeals

VA claims are often denied for various reasons, including insufficient medical evidence, lack of a clear connection (nexus) between your condition and your military service, or procedural errors.

What Do You Need to Win?

1. A Current Diagnosis: You must have a current, diagnosed disability.
2. An In-Service Event/Injury/Illness: Proof that something specific happened during your military service (an injury, exposure, specific event, onset of a disease).
3. A Medical Nexus: Medical evidence or expert opinion linking the current diagnosis directly to the in-service event, injury, or illness.

Our team focuses on gathering and presenting the necessary evidence to satisfy these requirements for your appeal. Establishing the medical nexus is usually the most challenging part of a VA claim or appeal, particularly for cases involving toxic exposure – such as disabilities potentially related to the PFAS contamination at Luke Air Force Base, located west of Phoenix in Glendale.

Phoenix Area Bases with Toxic Exposure

• Luke AFB: The use of AFFF firefighting foam has led to PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) contamination of the groundwater. PFAS are persistent chemicals linked to various health issues, including certain types of cancer. The base’s past operations also contaminated soil and water with POL wastes, solvents (TCE, TCA), jet fuel (JP-4), and low-level radioactive materials. Though EPA-approved cleanup measures were completed by 2001, veterans who served during contamination periods may have developed health conditions from exposure to these substances, including harmful VOCs like TCE and benzene.
• Phoenix Air National Guard Base (Sky Harbor): Home to the 161st Air Refueling Wing.
• Papago Park Military Reservation (Phoenix): Headquarters for the Arizona National Guard.

If you served at Luke AFB or another location with potential toxic exposure and have related health issues, Hill & Ponton can help explore the connection for your VA appeal.

When Should I Get a VA Disability Lawyer?

While veterans can use Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs) or claims agents, accredited VA disability attorneys offer distinct advantages, particularly for appeals. The VA appeals process has undergone significant changes and working with an attorney ensures your appeal navigates the current system correctly.

VA attorneys understand the legal nuances, evidence requirements, and procedural complexities of the VA system. They are crucial for developing legal arguments, gathering specialized evidence (like independent medical opinions), and representing you before the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA) or Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC).

Hill & Ponton specializes in VA appeals, leveraging our legal expertise to fight for the benefits Phoenix veterans deserve.

What Is the Success Rate of Phoenix VA Disability Attorneys?

Success rates vary, but experienced law firms often achieve high rates for appeals. Hill & Ponton is proud of the 96% success rate in the cases we take on. We focus on meticulously preparing appeals to maximize the chances of success for veterans in Phoenix, Arizona and across the country.