Filing a disability claim with the Veterans Administration (VA) can be a complicated and difficult process. If your initial claim is denied or if you receive an unsatisfactory disability rating, you’re faced with a frustrating appeal.
If you’re currently dealing with a VA appeal, don’t give up. Just as in your military service, the right resources can contribute to the success of the mission. That’s where we come in — Hill & Ponton helps disabled veterans get the VA benefits they’re entitled to.
We’re a veteran-founded law firm that focuses on disability appeals and increases — and we have a 96% success rate. Our team of VA-accredited attorneys has fought for hundreds of disabled veterans in San Diego and thousands more nationwide. We’d be honored to do the same for you.
Legal Services
We offer a range of legal services for veterans in San Diego, CA:
- Disability claim appeals: File an appeal to request that the VA review the results of your original disability claim.
- Disability compensation: Amend your initial VA disability claim to receive more financial compensation.
- Disability increases: Request that the VA increase your disability rating to accurately reflect your condition.
- Vocational rehabilitation and employment (VR&E): Get training and support for new career paths.
- Special monthly compensation (SMC). Request additional compensation to cover the care needs for significant disabilities.
- Total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU). File a claim for financial compensation if your disability makes it impossible to secure and keep a job.
- Dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC). Request financial benefits for spouses, children, and parents who were financially dependent on a deceased veteran.
Is It Worth Appealing a VA Disability Claim?
It takes time and expertise to file a VA disability claim, but the effort is worthwhile for many veterans. A higher disability rating can mean a substantial increase in compensation. For example, the 2025 VA disability rates provide $346.95 per month for veterans with a 20% disability rating. Increasing the rating to 50% raises that number to $1,102.04. When an appeal is successful, you may also receive back pay dating back to the original disability claim.
Working with experienced VA claim appeal lawyers in San Diego, CA, can increase your chances of success. In fact, at Hill & Ponton, we’re proud to offer a 96% success rate. An attorney for VA appeals in San Diego, CA, can provide benefits including:
- Current knowledge of the most recent procedural and regulatory changes
- Deep understanding of the VA appeals process
- Guidance regarding the most effective appeals path
How Long Does a VA Appeal Take With an Attorney?
When you appeal a VA disability claim decision, you can choose from several pathways:
- Supplemental claim: Submitting new evidence or requesting a review after the law changes
- Higher-level review: Review from a higher-level official at the VA
- Board appeal (direct review): Review of original claim by a judge on the Board of Veterans’ Appeals
- Board appeal (evidence submission): Review of original claim with new evidence by a Board of Veterans’ Appeals judge
- Board appeal (hearing): Hearing with a judge from the Board of Veterans’ Appeals regarding the original claim and new evidence, if necessary
The VA appeals timeline varies depending on the type of appeal you file. Current VA data indicates the following wait times:
- Supplemental claim: 4-5 months
- Higher-level review: 4-5 months
- Board appeal (direct review): 1 year
- Board appeal (evidence submission): 1.5 years
- Board appeal (hearing): 2 years
In reality, the appeals process can take much longer.
The VA appeals process is complicated. While hiring lawyers doesn’t give you priority, they ensure that your appeal is correct, complete and compelling on the first submission. The best VA appeal lawyers in San Diego can help prevent delays.
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Successful Appeals for Our San Diego Area Veterans
Once you decide to submit an appeal, your VA appeals lawyer in San Diego, CA, will start building a case. At Hill & Ponton, we focus on what the VA looks for in a disability appeal:
- Strong legal argument: Provide a clear explanation of why the VA should reconsider its original claim decision.
- Clear nexus: Obtain a strong nexus letter from a doctor that clearly explains how your military service caused your disability.
- Compelling evidence: Include new evidence to support your legal argument and nexus, such as medical records and service records.
- Accurate paperwork: Ensure that all required forms are complete and submitted by the deadline.
We’ll also work with you to determine any special circumstances. For example, you may qualify for disability compensation based on toxic exposure at military bases and other sites.
Once we’ve analyzed your original claim, it’s time to start the VA disability appeal process. We’ll determine why the claim was denied and identify your ideal outcome — an increased disability rating, for example. Then, your veterans appeal lawyers in San Diego, CA, will help you choose an appeals path, gather evidence and file the appeal by the deadline.
Why Do Claims Get Rejected?
The VA rejects disability claims for a variety of reasons. Many claims are denied for failing to establish nexus — a medical explanation linking your military service to your disability. Other common reasons include:
- Missed deadlines: Failure to submit appeals or requested documentation on time
- Lack of evidence: Inadequate documented proof of the disability and/or service connection
- Missed medical exams: Failure to complete the VA’s compensation and pension (C&P) exam
- Incomplete documentation: Incorrect or incomplete claim forms
At Hill & Ponton, we begin each case by assessing the reason the claim was denied. Based on that information, we determine the most effective way to start the appeals process.
Disability Ratings and Benefits
Your disability rating is critical — it determines how much you can receive in compensation. Use our VA disability calculator to get an idea of your potential benefits. For reference, here are the current rates for single veterans without dependents:
- 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
Benefits for San Diego Veterans
California is one of the best states for disabled veterans. San Diego veterans may qualify for a range of benefits in addition to VA benefits, including:
- Property tax exemptions: Up to $4,000 for qualifying veterans
- Vehicle registration fee waiver: Available to veterans with 100% disability ratings
- Reduced-fee hunting and fishing licenses: Discounted licenses for veterans with disability ratings of 50% or higher
- Distinguished Veteran passes: Free California state parks passes to veterans with a 50% disability rating or higher, prisoners of war and Medal of Honor recipients
- Military Annual Pass: Free national parks pass for veterans
- Cal-Vet loans: Home loans for California veterans
- College fee waiver: Free tuition and fees for dependents of veterans at California State University, University of California or State of California Community College
Resources for Veterans in the San Diego Area
San Diego VA & Military Bases
The VA offers both medical and benefits services for veterans in San Diego. Benefits administration offices can help you access a range of VA benefits; healthcare facilities provide medical treatments.
Benefits Administration
Healthcare Facilities
- VA San Diego Healthcare System
- Kearny Mesa Clinic
- Rio Clinic
- Sorrento Valley Clinic
- San Diego Vet Center
Military Bases
- Naval Base San Diego
- Naval Base Point Loma
- Naval Base Coronado
- Marine Corps Air Station Miramar
- Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton
- U.S. Coast Guard Sector San Diego
Veteran Organizations in San Diego
Veterans Navigation Center: Helps veterans find the resources they need to successfully transition from active duty to civilian life.
Veterans Resource Center: Located in the San Diego Central Library, this center supports veterans and their loved ones in finding community resources to help with jobs, buying homes and getting VA health benefits.
California Transition Assistance Program: CalTAP helps veterans access their state and federal benefits. It can also help with education, employment, services and starting a business.
Office of Military & Veterans Affairs: This agency helps veterans with benefits counseling, submitting claims, appeals and advocacy. Representatives can also help with homelessness, transitions and other veteran issues.
Employment Development Department (EDD): Helps veterans meet their education and job goals.
Paralyzed Veterans of America: Dedicated to supporting veterans with spinal cord injuries through social events, sports and other programs.
Courage to Call: This hotline, staffed by veteran peer counselors, helps veterans access resources for counseling, employment, food, housing, legal assistance and other services.
Veterans Associations and Clubs
Who Can Help Me With My VA Appeal in San Diego?
When you’re appealing a VA disability claim, there are numerous government and nonprofit organizations in San Diego that can help. You can also turn to private organizations and law firms. Working with an accomplished, VA-accredited attorney is one way to streamline your appeal. Reach out to a top VA appeals lawyer in San Diego, CA, today for support in fighting for your benefits.