Appeals and rating increases are our main focal points because they can transform denial of an initial claim into a life-changing result. Our disability lawyers in Texas help you by carefully reviewing your denial letter, identifying missed evidence, compiling new documentation and advocating for higher ratings when a condition worsens.
Hill & Ponton VA disability lawyers in Texas was founded by a military veteran who is familiar with the daily hurdles faced by disabled service members. We focus exclusively on VA law and have guided hundreds of Texas veterans to the benefits they’ve earned but missed out on. Our team of compassionate attorneys has fought for hundreds of disabled veterans in Texas and thousands more nationwide to get the VA benefits they’re entitled to. We’d be honored to do the same for you.
Legal Services for Our Texas Veterans
- Filing and managing VA benefits appeals. Our approach involves examining old decisions, retrieving additional service records, enlisting supportive medical opinions, assembling a thorough legal brief and submitting everything on time.
- Requests for rating increases. Your condition may get worse over time, leading to the need for a higher rating. We file the necessary paperwork, coordinate medical re-evaluations and present evidence that reflects your current health status.
- Total Disability Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU). Veterans unable to secure gainful work because of service-related conditions may qualify for TDIU.
- Claims involving toxic exposure. Military service often involves exposure to hazardous materials. We research possible contaminants, identify credible sources and link documented ailments to those exposures.
- Guidance on secondary conditions. An existing service-connected disability may trigger a related condition. Our team of VA disability lawyers in Texas can explore those secondary issues and show their connection to your original injury or illness.
Benefits for Veterans in Texas
- Property tax exemptions. Veterans with service-connected disabilities can qualify for significant tax relief. Those rated at 100% may receive a total exemption, which reduces the burden of homeownership.
- Hazlewood Act education benefits. Qualified Texas veterans and their family members can enjoy up to 150 hours of tuition exemptions at state public colleges thanks to the Hazlewood Act. Coverage applies to undergraduate and graduate programs, making higher education more affordable and helping you upskill in an uncertain economy.
- Veterans Land Board (VLB) housing assistance. VLB programs give you reduced-interest home loans, land purchase options and grants for property improvements. Some applicants use these resources to finance new construction or secure long-term care support.
- Texas State Veterans Homes. Texas has State Veterans Homes that provide nursing care and community-based programs for veterans who need extra assistance.
- Veterans’ employment preference. Texas law gives hiring priority to veterans at many state and local agencies. Some offices give you specialized job training, continuing education, targeted career counseling and access to networking events to smooth the transition into civilian positions. See why Texas ranks among the best states for disabled veterans to live.
- Reduced or waived licensing fees. Disabled veterans may qualify for discounted hunting, fishing and driver’s licenses. These cost-saving measures acknowledge your sacrifices and support your hobby or career.
Disability Ratings and Compensation
Your VA disability rating measures how a service-related condition affects your earning power. That percentage matters because it determines monthly compensation and potential additional benefits. Ratings range from 0% to 100% and combine multiple disabilities through a special formula. The calculation influences your base pay and eligibility for other programs.
Below are approximate monthly compensation amounts for single veterans at different rating levels in 2025. Actual rates depend on various factors, including your number of 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
Use our VA Disability Calculator to estimate how your combined ratings might translate into monthly compensation and get in touch with our legal team to evaluate your claim.
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When Should I Get a VA Disability Lawyer?
Hiring a VA disability lawyer is most beneficial when you need to appeal a denied claim or seek an increase in your disability rating. While many veterans handle initial claims on their own or with the help of Veterans Service Officers (VSOs), legal representation becomes crucial in more complex situations where expertise in navigating the VA’s appeals process can significantly improve your chances of success.
Advantages of Working with an Attorney for Appeals
- Strategy tailored to missed deadlines or overlooked evidence
- Thorough representation if your appeal proceeds to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals
- Readiness to adapt if new regulations arise mid-case
- Ability to frame your case around evolving regulations and recent VA rulings
Appeals lie at the core of Hill & Ponton’s practice. Some veterans we work with discover new evidence or realize their disabilities were underrated only after a denial or low rating. Our focused knowledge streamlines the process and removes the guesswork that leads to frustration.
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Successful Claims and Appeals
Many VA disability claims fail when the VA finds insufficient proof linking the disability to military service. That link is known as a nexus. Even well-documented conditions can be denied if the VA can’t confirm the condition was caused or aggravated by service.
A strong claim addresses all VA requirements. Below are the primary requirements the VA looks for:
- A current, documented medical diagnosis
- Clear proof of an in-service injury or aggravation
- Relevant records showing continuity or progression of symptoms
- Timely submission that meets procedural requirements
- A solid Nexus linking the disability to your service
The Importance of Your Nexus
The VA will not approve compensation unless they see a clear connection between your current condition and an in-service event. The same principle applies to physical injuries, mental health conditions and exposures to toxins. Many Texas veterans served in locations where hazards like burn pits or contaminated water were common.
Learn more about possible toxic exposure scenarios, including how they may lead to chronic health problems years after service. Establishing the nexus in these claims can be challenging, but our attorneys can help gather relevant medical opinions and records.
Toxic Exposure Sites in Texas
Veterans stationed at military facilities across Texas may have been exposed to harmful toxins. Whether through environmental contamination, hazardous material or unsafe disposal practices, these exposures could have long-term health impacts. Some key sites associated with potential toxic exposure are:
- Reese Air Force Base
- Sheppard Air Force Base
- Dyess Air Force Base
- Laughlin Air Force Base
- Grand Prairie Armed Forces Reserve Complex
- Randolph Air Force Base
- Joint Base San Antonio
- Lackland Air Force Base
- Naval Air Station Corpus Christi
- El Campo Training Site
- Longhorn Army Ammunition Plant
Resources for Veterans in Texas
Texas Veterans Affairs
The Texas VA provides federal and state-level resources for health care, benefits and support, ensuring veterans and their families can access the services they need.
- Health Care Facilities: Texas VA health care includes VA hospitals, outpatient clinics and Vet Centers providing primary care and mental health services.
- Benefits Administration: VA Regional Offices help veterans with compensation claims, pensions, education and housing loans.
Veterans can also access VA services and specialized support at military bases, such as:
- Fort Sam Houston (Joint Base San Antonio) – renowned for medical training and home to Brooke Army Medical Center
- Lackland Air Force Base (JBSA) – provides basic military training for Airmen
- Randolph Air Force Base (JBSA) – specializes in pilot training and education
- Dyess Air Force Base (Abilene) – home to the B-1B Lancer bombers and vital for strategic airlift and combat operations
- Laughlin Air Force Base (Del Rio) – the largest pilot training base in the Air Force
- Naval Air Station Corpus Christi (Corpus Christi) – a key site for naval aviation training, including flight instruction for Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard aviators
- Fort Bliss (El Paso)
- Fort Hood (Fort Cavazos)
Veterans Organizations
Several government and nonprofit organizations in Texas deliver services and support to veterans, filling gaps the VA may not reach.
- Combined Arms: Connects veterans with local resources for job placement, counseling and transition assistance
- Texas Veterans Commission (TVC): Provides help with benefits claims, education and employment resources
- Team Red, White & Blue: Focuses on community building through fitness and social events
- Operation Homefront: Helps with financial aid, transitional housing and family support
- Wounded Warrior Project (WWP): Provides mental health programs and wellness initiatives
Texas Veterans Associations and Clubs
Social clubs and private associations in Texas offer veterans opportunities to build camaraderie, find support and engage in their communities.
- Department of Texas American Legion: Hosts events, provides scholarships and advocates for veterans
- Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Texas: Provides camaraderie and support with claims assistance and scholarships
- Military Order of the Purple Heart: Focuses on assisting combat-wounded veterans with resources and peer support
- Marine Corps League: Facilitates social events and volunteer opportunities for Marine veterans
How Do I Get Help With VA Claims in Texas?
If you’re looking for legal guidance, consider reaching out to VA disability lawyers in Texas who focus on VA appeals and ratings increases. You don’t have to face this process alone. The right support can lighten the burden and give you back precious time for family, friends, work and recovery. Get a Free Case Review From Texas Disability Lawyers Today.