VA Disability Lawyers Proudly Serving Houston Veterans

Legal Services for Houston Veterans

• Appeals: If your initial VA claim was denied, partially denied, or underrated, we can help you appeal the decision. We understand the VA’s complex appeals system and can build a strong case on your behalf.
• Increased Ratings: If your service-connected condition has worsened, you may be eligible for an increased disability rating and higher compensation. We can help you gather the necessary evidence to support your claim for an increase.
• Disability Compensation: We help veterans obtain monthly tax-free payments for injuries or diseases connected to their military service.
• Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC): We assist surviving spouses, children, and parents of service members or veterans who died from service-related causes.
• Special Monthly Compensation (SMC): This additional compensation is available for veterans with specific needs or particularly severe disabilities (e.g., loss of limb, blindness).
• Total Disability Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU): If your service-connected disabilities prevent you from maintaining substantially gainful employment, you may qualify for TDIU, which pays at the 100% disability rate even if your combined rating is lower.

Winning Claims and Appeals

If you were denied, it might be due to a VA error or because your case is missing something. Understanding why claims fail is the first step toward a successful appeal. We find out what’s wrong and navigate the confusing and often frustrating VA appeals process on your behalf. 

What Does a Successful VA Claim Require?

1. Current Diagnosis: You must have a current diagnosis of a disability from a qualified medical professional.
2. In-Service Event/Injury/Illness: Evidence demonstrating that something specific happened during your service (an injury, an event, exposure, the onset of a disease).
3. Medical Nexus: Medical evidence or opinion linking the current diagnosis directly to the in-service event, injury, or illness. This is often the most challenging part and where experienced legal help is invaluable. Without a clear nexus, the VA is likely to deny your claim.

Proving Toxic Exposure Claims

For certain conditions presumed by the VA to be service-connected (like those related to Agent Orange or specific toxic exposures), the nexus requirement might be easier to meet, but many veterans still need to prove their health conditions were caused by exposure during their military service.

Potential exposure sites relevant to Houston veterans include Ellington Field Joint Reserve Base and San Antonio military bases. Like many military airfields, Ellington Field may have PFAS contamination from using firefighting foams (AFFF).

In addition to PFAS, Fort Sam Houston and Lackland AFB within Joint Base San Antonio have documented use of asbestos in older buildings, including barracks and housing, posing risks for mesothelioma and other diseases.

Don’t leave any benefits on the table. If you served at any of these locations and are experiencing health issues, contact us to discuss a potential toxic exposure claim. 

When Is a VA Disability Lawyer Necessary?

While some veterans successfully file initial claims on their own or with help from Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs), navigating the VA system, especially for appeals, can be incredibly challenging. Laws, regulations and procedures change, and keeping up can be difficult.

Our VA lawyers can navigate the confusing and often frustrating appeals process on your behalf. We offer you:

• Expertise: VA-accredited attorneys specialize in this complex area of law.
• Resources: Law firms have resources to gather evidence, obtain medical expert opinions, and build the strongest possible case.
• Experience: We know how to effectively argue your case before the VA and potentially the courts.
• Reduced Burden: We handle the paperwork, deadlines, and communication, allowing you to focus on your health and well-being.

If your claim has been denied, or you believe your rating is too low, consulting with an experienced VA disability lawyer is often the most effective path forward. Our focus is on helping veterans win their appeals and secure increases.

What Is the Success Rate of VA Lawyers?

Success rates for VA disability appeals can vary, with data indicating that using an attorney may give veterans an edge. Hill & Ponton has a success rate of over 96% for the cases we handle.

We are proud of our track record in securing benefits for veterans across the country, including those in the Houston area. See what our clients say about the impact we’ve made in their lives.