Many Tucson veterans are missing out on benefits or not able to access the resources available to them. As VA-accredited attorneys, we understand the unique challenges faced by disabled veterans and use our expertise to help them navigate the complexities of the VA system.
Our firm was founded by a Vietnam veteran and has been serving veterans in Tucson, Arizona and nationwide for over 30 years – with a 96% success rate.
Our primary focus is on VA appeals and claims for increased ratings. If your initial disability claim has been denied or you believe your rating is too low, we’d be honored to help you.
Legal Services for Tucson Veterans
- Appeals: If your VA disability claim was denied, we specialize in navigating the appeals process on your behalf to overturn the VA decision and get your rightful compensation – with back pay.
- Increased Compensation: We help veterans obtain the highest possible tax-free monthly payments for their service-connected disabilities. If your condition has worsened, you could be entitled to a higher disability rating – with increased pay.
- Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC): Our lawyers also provide legal assistance to surviving spouses, children, and parents of service members or veterans who died from service-related injuries or illnesses.
- Special Monthly Compensation (SMC): We help veterans secure higher rates of compensation for specific needs or circumstances, such as the loss of a limb or the need for aid and attendance.
- Total Disability Based on Individual Unemployability: If your service-connected disabilities prevent you from maintaining substantial gainful employment, you could be eligible for TDIU, which pays at the 100% disability rate.
Winning Claims and Appeals
VA disability claims are often denied for various reasons. Understanding these common pitfalls is the first step toward a successful appeal. Denials can occur due to:
- Incomplete or inaccurate forms
- The condition not meeting the VA’s definition of a disability
- Insufficient evidence linking the disability to military service (lack of “Nexus”)
- Medical evidence not meeting VA criteria
- Submitting the wrong forms
- Missing deadlines for submitting evidence or attending exams
- A pre-existing condition that wasn’t aggravated by service
The VA offers several pathways for appeal. Our lawyers can navigate the entire process and fight on your behalf to overturn the initial rating decision and get a more favorable outcome.
What Does a Successful VA Claim Require?
- Current Diagnosis: Evidence of a current physical or psychological disability from a medical professional.
- In-Service Event/Injury/Illness: Proof that something specific happened during your military service that could cause the disability.
- Medical Nexus: A medical opinion linking the current diagnosis directly to the in-service event, injury, or illness.
Establishing Nexus for Toxic Exposure Claims
Nexus can sometimes involve contact with harmful substances – this is increasingly relevant for many veterans who are facing health problems related to toxic exposure during their military service. Learn more about toxic exposure claims here.
For veterans in the Tucson, AZ area, particularly those who served at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, awareness of potential local exposures is important. Davis-Monthan AFB, located within Tucson city limits, has been contaminated with PFAS from firefighting foam (AFFF). Since PFAS contamination is linked to kidney, testicular, and prostate cancer, veterans concerned about exposure should seek medical evaluations and consider discussing potential claims with our attorneys.
Ratings and Compensation
The VA assigns a percentage rating (from 0% to 100%) based on the severity of your service-connected conditions. This rating determines the amount of tax-free monthly disability compensation you receive.
The ratings for multiple conditions aren’t simply added together. The VA calculates the impact of the most severe disability first, then applies subsequent ratings to the remaining “efficiency” percentage. For example, two 50% ratings do not equal 100%; they combine to an 80% rating using VA math. You can estimate your potential combined rating using our VA Disability Calculator.
Here’s what a Tucson veteran with no spouse or dependents currently receives:
- 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
When Should I Get a VA Disability Lawyer?
While you can file claims or appeals yourself, or get help from accredited Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) or claims agents, navigating the VA system, especially the appeals process, can be complex. An experienced VA disability attorney offers several advantages:
- Expertise: Deep understanding of VA laws, regulations, and procedures.
- Staying Current: Knowledge of frequent changes in VA processes and rules, like the Appeals Modernization Act. Learn more about the changes to the VA Appeals Process.
- Focus on Appeals: Attorneys are particularly beneficial when appealing a denied claim, developing strategies, gathering crucial evidence, and representing you before the VA. Hill & Ponton focuses specifically on helping veterans with appeals and increases.
What Is the Success Rate of Tucson VA Lawyers?
While BVA estimates nationwide average appeal success rates (with or without an attorney) at around 38-39%, specific success rates for Tucson VA lawyers are hard to assess. However, Hill & Ponton is proud to report a 96% success rate for the cases we decide to take.
We are committed to achieving the best possible outcome for veterans in Tucson, AZ, and across the country. See the stories of other veterans we’ve helped.
Resources Available to Veterans in the Tucson Area
Tucson, AZ offers various resources to support its veteran community, estimated at nearly 34,000 veterans (2019-2023), including VA care and housing programs.
Tucson VA Facilities
Tucson Vet Center: Offers free, confidential counseling for veterans and families, including support for PTSD, MST, bereavement, and transition assistance. Located at 2525 E. Broadway Blvd, Suite 100, Tucson, AZ 85716. Main Phone: 520-882-0333
Tucson VA Medical Center (Main Hospital): 3601 South Sixth Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85723. Main Phone: 520-792-1450
Northwest Tucson VA Clinic: 3920 West Linda Vista Boulevard, Tucson, AZ 85742. Main Phone: 520-219-2418
Souteast Tucson VA Clinic: 7395 South Houghton Road, Suite 129, Tucson, AZ 85747. Main Phone: 520-664-1831
Housing assistance
Endeavors® Homeless Veteran Reintegration Program (HVRP): Helps veterans experiencing homelessness find housing and employment through case management, career counseling, and support services.
Address: 2730 E Broadway Blvd, Tucson AZ 85716. Phone: 520-355-1002
Arizona State Veteran Home (ASVH) – Tucson: A 120-bed skilled nursing facility for eligible veterans and spouses requiring long-term or memory care. Address: 555 East Ajo Way, Tucson, AZ 85713. Admissions Phone: 520-638-2159
Legal Help for Homeless or Unemployed Tucson Veterans Seeking Disability Benefits
At Hill & Ponton, we specialize in assisting veterans who find themselves in uncertain housing situations, or who are unable to find long-term employment due to their disabilities. We know the difference a rating increase, or the approval of a previously denied disability claim, can make in the life of a disabled veteran who lacks job security or can’t afford a home. Contact our Tucson VA lawyers today for a free case evaluation to see how we can help.