Fortis Law, PLC

05/25/2026

All gave some; some gave all. While enjoying the long weekend, take time to appreciate and pay respect to those that have given the ultimate sacrifice for us.

04/27/2026

When benefits are awarded, that doesn't necessarily mean that the fight is over. We ensure that VA has awarded the correct effective date and assigned the appropriate rating to reflect the severity of the disability.

Today, a client who had been granted benefits for pulmonary fibrosis received an increase after initially being under-rated to reflect the severity of this condition.

04/23/2026

Did you know obstructive sleep apnea has been linked to toxic exposures? We just obtained benefits for a client this week on this basis.

04/16/2026

Today and tomorrow our office is attending a conference to stay up to date on this evolving area of law to ensure our clients continue receiving the best representation.

04/09/2026

Benefits granted! A client was granted benefits for PTSD, rated at 70%, which then also entitled him to a total disability based on individual unemployability.

04/08/2026

Did you know that instability of a knee joint can entitle you to a separate additional rating? For example, if you are service-connected for your left knee arthritis and also experience instability in that joint, you can receive a rating for the arthritis and a separate rating for the instability. This was a client's situation and, after years of being service-connected for his left knee arthritis is now also receiving an additional 10% rating for his instability.

02/18/2026

Benefits restored! After VA improperly reduced a client's rating from 50% to 10%, the Board of Veterans' Appeals reinstated our client's 50% rating retroactive to the date of reduction.

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02/09/2026

Benefits granted!

After VA improperly reduced our client's ratings for frost bite residuals to his hands, we successfully argued on appeal and the Board not only reinstated our client's frost bite ratings but also granted entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

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02/05/2026

Did you know that following surgery for a service-connected condition, you may be entitled to 6 months of convalescence with a temporary rating of 100% during that time?

The Board just granted our client's claim of entitlement to service connection for mitral valve prolapse which went back to 2008. This condition was rated as 60 percent disabling, but the veteran was granted a temporary 100% for 6 months following the surgical repair this condition required.

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01/26/2026

Did you know that the most common disability VA pays service connection compensation benefits for is tinnitus (ringing in the ears)? You would think VA would just give this benefit to veterans as a matter of right once diagnosed, but no, veterans continue to have to fight for benefits for audiological disabilities such as hearing loss and tinnitus.

This week, the Board of Veterans Appeals granted our client's claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.

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01/26/2026

Did you know that, when warranted by symptoms, a single joint can receive more than one rating? For example, a knee can receive separate ratings for range of motion limitations and instability.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals just issued a favorable decision for a client granting a separate 10 separate for removal of cartilage in a knee joint.

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