The Board of Veterans' Appeals (BVA) is part of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that handles appeals when veterans disagree with decisions made about their benefits claims. If a veteran feels their claim for disability compensation, pension, or other benefits was unfairly denied or rated, they can appeal to the BVA. A judge at the Board reviews the case and makes a final decision on whether the original decision should be changed, upheld, or sent back to the VA for further review.

Agent Orange exposure has caused lasting health issues for many Vietnam-era veterans. The VA recognizes certain diseases—like Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and prostate cancer—as “presumptive,” meaning veterans don’t need to prove a direct link to their service. This makes it easier to secure disability benefits, but the process can still be challenging. Our firm specializes in helping veterans navigate these claims, ensuring they get the compensation they deserve. With our expertise, we fight for your rights and guide you every step of the way.

For years, the military used open-air burn pits across Southwest Asia—including Iraq and Afghanistan—to dispose of waste like plastics, chemicals, medical materials, and fuel, exposing service members to thick, toxic smoke. Many Veterans later developed serious health problems, including chronic breathing issues (asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis/rhinitis, and other lung conditions), sleep disruption, skin rashes, headaches, and certain cancers. While the PACT Act expanded presumptions for burn pit and airborne hazard exposure, claims can still be complicated when VA disputes a diagnosis, relies on flawed C&P exams, or assigns an unfair rating. Talton Hukill helps Veterans build strong, evidence-based claims and appeals by gathering the right medical and service records, preparing for exams, challenging inadequate opinions, and fighting for the correct rating and effective date. If you served near burn pits and are dealing with ongoing health issues contact Talton Hukill today.

Service connection is a crucial aspect of a veteran's disability claim, as it establishes a direct link between a veteran's current medical condition and their military service. To receive disability benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), veterans must demonstrate that their injury, illness, or condition was either caused or aggravated by their time in service. This process can involve complex medical evidence and legal arguments, as well as proving that the condition was either incurred during service or is a result of a service-related event

An increased rating claim is a request made by a Veteran to have their disability rating adjusted due to a worsening of their service-connected condition. The VA assigns disability ratings based on the severity of a Veteran’s condition, and these ratings can change over time if the Veteran's symptoms become more severe or incapacitating. If a Veteran’s condition deteriorates or new evidence emerges, they may be entitled to an increase in their disability rating, which often leads to higher monthly benefits. However, proving that a condition has worsened requires solid medical evidence and a clear demonstration of how the symptoms have impacted the veteran's daily life.

Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) is a benefit available to veterans who are unable to maintain substantial gainful employment due to service-connected disabilities, even if their disability rating is less than 100%. TDIU is designed to provide compensation equivalent to a 100% disability rating for veterans who are unable to work because of their service-related conditions. To qualify, veterans must demonstrate that their disabilities significantly hinder their ability to secure and maintain employment, often requiring both medical evidence and vocational information to support the claim.

Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) is an additional benefit provided by the VA to veterans who have specific, severe disabilities that go beyond the regular disability compensation. SMC can be awarded for a variety of reasons, such as the loss of use of a limb, blindness, or the need for regular aid and attendance due to a service-connected condition. This compensation is designed to assist veterans who face extraordinary hardships due to their disabilities, providing additional financial support to help manage the added challenges of daily life.

At our law firm, we fight for families who have lost a loved one due to a service-connected disability. We understand the emotional and financial challenges that come with the loss of a veteran, and we are dedicated to ensuring that surviving spouses, children, and parents receive the benefits they deserve. Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) is a tax-free benefit provided to the families of veterans whose death was caused by a service-connected condition or who died while receiving VA compensation for a service-related disability.

At our law firm, we fight for families who are seeking the benefits that their loved ones earned through their service to our country. Accrued benefits are payments that are due to a veteran for service-connected disabilities or other claims that were pending at the time of their death. These benefits are typically owed for the period of time between the veteran’s last disability rating decision and their passing. Accrued benefits can include compensation, pension, or any other benefits the veteran was entitled to before their death, and they are paid to eligible survivors, such as the spouse, children, or dependent parents.