Approximately 30% of Washington state’s more than 500,000 veterans are disabled and some could still be struggling to be recognized and compensated by the VA. Many veterans are underrated and not receiving the full benefits they deserve. If that’s you, we can help.
We’re Hill & Ponton, a disability law firm founded by a veteran and dedicated exclusively to assisting disabled veterans and their families.
Our VA-accredited attorneys have successfully represented hundreds of veterans in the state of Washington and thousands more nationwide to secure the VA disability benefits they are rightfully owed. We would be honored to do the same for you.
Our Legal Services
- Disability Compensation: We are committed to helping Washington veterans receive tax-free monthly payments for injuries or diseases connected to their military service, at the maximum rate they’re entitled to.
- Appeals: If your claim for VA disability benefits has been denied, the Hill & Ponton lawyers can handle the complex appeals process to get the benefits you deserve.
- Increased Ratings: If your service-connected condition has worsened, pursuing a higher disability rating is key to obtaining an increase in monthly compensation.
- Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC): We assist surviving spouses, children, and parents of service members who died in the line of duty or from a service-related injury or illness. Our lawyers are experienced in DIC claims and can help you win survivor benefits.
- Special Monthly Compensation (SMC): Our attorneys will pursue higher rates of compensation if you have specific needs such as the loss of a limb or the need for aid and attendance from another person.
- Total Disability Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU): If your service-connected disabilities prevent you from maintaining substantially gainful employment, our TDIU lawyers will help you prove you meet the VA requirements and win TDIU, which pays at the 100% disability rate, even if your combined rating is lower.
Disability Ratings and Compensation
A VA disability rating is a percentage assigned to your service-connected condition that determines the amount of monthly compensation you receive. These ratings are combined using a specific VA formula to arrive at a total combined rating.
You can estimate your potential monthly compensation using our VA Disability Calculator.
Here’s how much a single veteran with no dependents currently earns per month based on the overall disability rating:
- 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
Washington State Benefits for Disabled Veterans
In addition to federal benefits, the state of Washington offers disabled veterans its own state benefits, which include property tax exemptions, educational opportunities, veteran preference in hiring, transportation benefits and more.
Work with us to get your benefits
When Should You Hire a VA Disability Lawyer?
While veterans can work with Veteran Service Officers (VSOs) or other agents, a VA disability lawyer can be a powerful ally, especially when dealing with an appeal. The VA appeals process is complex and constantly evolving. Attorneys stay current on all procedural and regulatory changes to ensure your case is handled effectively.
If you’ve been denied by the VA, or you’re seeking TDIU or additional compensation, the experience and legal expertise of a dedicated VA attorney can be invaluable in gathering evidence, building a strong case, and representing you before the Department of Veterans Affairs.
At Hill & Ponton, we are proud of our high success rate for appeals: our VA disability lawyers win 96% of the cases we take. You can find out more about our successful cases from the other veterans we’ve helped get ratings and compensation – read their stories here.
Winning VA Claims and Appeals
The VA looks for three key things when evaluating a claim:
- A current, diagnosed disability.
- An in-service event, injury, or illness.
- A medical nexus linking the current disability to the in-service event.
The nexus is often the most challenging part of a claim and the reason why many Washington veterans are denied by the VA. Other reasons include insufficient medical evidence, missed deadlines, or the VA making a mistake.
A skilled VA attorney will identify and address all the issues that prevent veterans from winning VA disability. At Hill & Ponton, we specialize in overturning denials and fighting for back pay, increased disability ratings, TDIU or additional compensation. Contact us to see what our VA disability lawyers can do for you.
Get a free case evaluation
VA Disability for Toxic Exposure
Throughout their service, many veterans encountered hazardous substances that are now connected to severe health conditions. From contaminated drinking water at military installations to burn pit exposure during deployments in Iraq or Afghanistan, these toxic exposures have left lasting health impacts.
Washington state veterans may have been exposed to harmful toxins at military bases, including some within Washington itself. Several locations in the state of Washington have documented environmental concerns, including:
- Fairchild Air Force Base: Has confirmed PFAS contamination in drinking water wells on and around the base. TCE and other toxic substances were also identified over the years in the soil and groundwater.
- Joint Base Lewis-McChord (encompassing Fort Lewis and McChord Air Force Base): PFAS (due to firefighting foam use) impacted groundwater and drinking water. Other contaminants include chlorinated solvents, petroleum hydrocarbons, and heavy metals.
- Montesano Armory: PFAS contamination identified.
- Puget Sound Naval Shipyard: An EPA site heavily contaminated with lead, mercury, PCBs, sulfur dioxide, cyanide and other toxins.
- Naval Air Station Whidbey Island: Extensive PFAS contamination from AFFF, detected at levels far exceeding EPA standards in groundwater and nearby water sources. Other potential contaminants include industrial chemicals and petroleum hydrocarbons.
- Yakima Training Center: PFAS contamination in groundwater and off-base drinking water wells due to AFFF use. Also has historical contamination from petroleum-based fuels, solvents (trichloroethylene, methyl ethyl ketone), lead-acid batteries, and ordnance/explosives.
Our VA-accredited attorneys can offer Washington state veterans the experienced legal support they need to pursue the maximum compensation available for service-connected disabilities related to toxic exposure.
VA Legal Resources and Lawyers Near You
Seattle
Seattle Regional Benefit Office: Jackson Federal Building, 915 2nd Ave., Seattle, WA 98174. This office processes claims for VA benefits for the entire state.
Washington State Facilities Offering Assistance to Veterans
Vet Centers
Vet Centers offer confidential counseling for readjustment, trauma, and bereavement to veterans and their families, as well as referral services for benefits.
Bellingham Vet Center: 3800 Byron Avenue, Suite 124, Bellingham, WA 98229
Everett Vet Center: 1010 SE Everett Mall Way, Suite 207, Everett, WA 98208
Federal Way Vet Center: 32020 32nd Avenue, South, Suite 110, Federal Way, WA 98001
Lacey Vet Center Outstation: 4232 6th Ave SE, Lacey, WA 98503
Seattle Vet Center: 305 South Lucile Street, Seattle, WA 98108
Spokane Vet Center: 13109 East Mirabeau Parkway, Spokane, WA 99216
Tacoma Vet Center: 4916 Center Street, Suite E, Tacoma, WA 98409
Walla Walla Vet Center: 1104 West Poplar Street, Walla Walla, WA 99362
Yakima Valley Vet Center: 2119 West Lincoln Avenue, Yakima, WA 98902
Community clinics
Bremerton CBOC: 925 Adele Avenue, Bremerton, WA 98312
Chehalis (South Sound CBOC): 151 North East Hampe Way, Chehalis, WA 98532
Edmonds VA Clinic: 21616 76th Avenue West, Edmonds, WA 98026
Everett VA Clinic: 220 Olympic Boulevard, Everett, WA 98203
Federal Way CBOC: 34617 11th Place South, Federal Way, WA 98003
Mount Vernon VA Clinic: 307 South 13th Street, Mount Vernon, WA 98274
Olympia CBOC: 500 Lilly Road Northeast, Olympia, WA 98506
Port Angeles (North Olympic Peninsula VA Clinic): 1114 Georgiana Street, Port Angeles, WA 98362
Richland CBOC: 825 Jadwin Ave, Suite 250, Richland, WA 99352
Silverdale VA Clinic: 9177 Ridgetop Boulevard NW, Silverdale, WA 98383
Wenatchee CBOC: 2530 Chester Kimm Road, Wenatchee, WA 98801
Yakima CBOC: 717 Fruitvale Blvd., Yakima, WA 98902
Housing Assistance and Support for Veterans in Washington State
In 2018, it was estimated that 4% of Washington’s veterans were homeless or unstably housed. Numerous programs at the federal and state level are available to help and the VA is committed to a “Housing First” approach, which has helped house thousands of veterans nationwide.
At Hill & Ponton, we prioritize veterans facing housing insecurity or unemployment. If you’ve been denied or underrated by the VA, get a free evaluation from a Hill & Ponton VA-accredited attorney. Our Washington state disability lawyers don’t charge anything upfront and only get paid if you get paid.