VA Disability Lawyers Proudly Serving Pittsburgh Veterans

Our Legal Services for Pittsburgh Veterans

At Hill & Ponton, our legal team is dedicated to providing comprehensive support for veterans in Pittsburgh navigating the VA appeals system. We focus our expertise on the following areas:  

• Appealing Denied Claims: If you’ve been denied disability by the VA, we can handle your appeal. Our lawyers are well-versed in the VA’s complex appeals process and can build a strong case on your behalf. 
• Increased Ratings and Compensation: If your service-connected condition has worsened, or if you believe your initial rating was too low, we can help you get an increased disability rating for more benefits and compensation.
• Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC): We can assist surviving spouses, children, or parents of service members who died in the line of duty or from a service-related injury or illness. 
• Special Monthly Compensation (SMC): SMC is an additional tax-free benefit that can be paid to veterans, their spouses, surviving spouses, and parents for special circumstances such as the need for aid and attendance by another person or by a specific disability, such as loss of use of one hand or leg. 
• Total Disability Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU): If your service-connected disabilities prevent you from being able to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, you may be eligible for TDIU, which pays at the 100% disability rate, even if your combined rating is less. 

Winning VA Disability for Toxic Exposure During Military Service

Pittsburgh has a significant and proud military heritage supported by Guard and Reserve presence. Military facilities include:

• Pittsburgh International Airport Air Reserve Station / 171st Air Refueling Wing (Pennsylvania Air National Guard): Located in Coraopolis, the 171st ARW provides vital aerial refueling capabilities to U.S. and Allied forces worldwide using KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft. This unit is a key part of the Pennsylvania Air National Guard and the local military community.
• U.S. Army Reserve Units: Various Army Reserve centers and units are located throughout Western Pennsylvania, including the Pittsburgh area (e.g., the Charles E. Kelly Support Facility in Oakdale has historically been significant). These units fall under the broader command of the 99th Readiness Division.
• Naval Operations Support Center (NOSC) Pittsburgh: Located in Coraopolis (often near the airport facilities), NOSC Pittsburgh supports Navy Reserve personnel in the region, ensuring they are ready to mobilize when called upon.

Veterans from these and other installations who now reside in Pittsburgh may have unique service histories. It’s important to note that toxic exposure concerns are not limited to specific bases and can arise from various deployment locations or specific job duties (e.g., exposure to solvents, burn pits, etc.).

If you believe your health condition is linked to your service at military facilities or deployment locations, Hill & Ponton may be able to help you win VA disability.

When Should You Hire a VA Disability Lawyer?

While you can navigate the VA claims process on your own or with the help of a Veterans Service Officer (VSO), the VA appeals process is much more complex than the initial claim stage. If your claim has been denied, or you believe your rating is too low, VA disability lawyers can provide the specialized legal support you need. Here’s what you’ll get:

• Legal Expertise: VA law is intricate and constantly evolving. An experienced attorney understands the nuances of the regulations, case law, and procedural requirements. They can identify legal errors made by the VA in its decision and formulate strong arguments for your appeal. Keeping up with these changes is vital.
• Evidence Development: Appealing often requires new and material evidence. Lawyers are skilled at identifying what kind of evidence is needed (e.g., specific medical opinions, buddy statements, vocational expert reports) and how to obtain it.
• Representation at Hearings: If your appeal goes to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA), an attorney can represent you at the hearing, present your case effectively, and cross-examine VA witnesses if necessary.
• Higher Levels of Appeal: If a BVA decision is unfavorable, an attorney can help you appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC), a step that almost always requires legal representation.

Why Choose Hill & Ponton?

The VA appeals process is much more complex than the initial claim stage. If your claim has been denied, or you believe your rating is too low, VA disability lawyers can provide the specialized legal support you need.

• We Understand Veterans: Our firm was founded by a veteran and many members of our team have firsthand experience with the military life. This translates into compassionate and dedicated legal support.
• We’re Focused on Your Needs: We concentrate on VA disability law, specifically helping disabled veterans with their appeals and fighting for increased ratings that accurately reflect their level of disability.
• Appeals are Our Specialty: It’s important to distinguish between filing an initial claim and appealing a VA decision. While some organizations assist with initial claims, Hill & Ponton focuses on the appeals process. If the VA has denied your claim, or if you believe your disability rating is too low, our experienced attorneys are here to build the strongest possible case for your appeal.
• Proven Success: While every case is unique, our dedication, meticulous preparation and aggressive advocacy has led to a strong track record of success for veterans in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and across the country.

What Is the Success Rate of Our Pittsburgh VA Disability Attorneys?

At Hill & Ponton, we are proud of our high success rate (nationally, it’s 96% for cases we take on) in helping veterans secure the benefits they deserve through the appeals process. This success is built on our commitment to: 

• Thoroughly reviewing each veteran’s case and service history.
• Developing comprehensive evidence to support the appeal.
• Crafting persuasive legal arguments based on current VA regulations and case law.
• Providing dedicated representation at every stage of the appeal.

Our focus is specifically on VA appeals. When a veteran comes to us after a denial or an inadequate rating, we are often able to identify critical missing pieces or errors in the VA’s initial decision that can be rectified through the appeals process.

Many veterans in the Pittsburgh area may be missing out on the full benefits they deserve or may not be aware of the valuable resources available to them. Our VA lawyers can help, at no upfront cost.