Joseph Hof, Member, Hof Law, LLC
Jan 11, 2025
For Immediate Release
New York, New York – January 11, 2025 – Hof Law, LLC, a dedicated advocate for veterans' rights and benefits, commends Secretary Denis McDonough of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for his recent decision to make several cancers presumptive for service-connection. The landmark decision announced on January 8, 2025, significantly lowers the burden of proof for veterans seeking compensation and healthcare benefits, marking a substantial step forward in ensuring the health and well-being of those who have served our nation.
"We applaud Secretary McDonough for recognizing the critical need to simplify the process for veterans to receive the benefits they have earned," said Joseph Hof, Organizer of Hof Law, LLC. "This decision will undoubtedly have a profound impact on the lives of countless veterans and their families."
While this progress is commendable, Hof Law, LLC urges Secretary McDonough to consider extending similar considerations to other conditions before his tenure concludes on January 20, 2025. Specifically, the firm calls for the following conditions to be made presumptive for service-connection:
1. Allergies for Veterans Who Served at Joint Base San Antonio
Veterans who served at Joint Base San Antonio, the Defense Department's single-largest installation, where many folks often suffer from Cedar Fever, a debilitating allergic reaction. Recognizing allergies as presumptive for these veterans would alleviate the evidentiary burden and ensure timely access to necessary healthcare and benefits.
2. Gingivitis for Veterans Without Pre-Discharge Dental Examinations
Many veterans are discharged without receiving a final dental examination, as indicated in box 17 of their DD-214 forms. Making gingivitis presumptive for these individuals would address a significant gap in dental care and support the overall health of veterans.
3. Syphilis for Veterans Prescribed Truvada for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis
Many veterans prescribed Gilead's Truvada for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) while in-service face unique health challenges. Recognizing syphilis as a presumptive condition for these veterans would provide essential support and affirm the VA's commitment to comprehensive care.
"Taking these additional steps would reflect a compassionate and pragmatic approach to veteran healthcare," Joe continued. "It would ensure that those who have served our country receive the support they need without undue bureaucratic hurdles."
On December 24, 2024, Hof Law, LLC, provided further information to the Midwest Director of the VA's Office of General Counsel, pursuant to 38 C.F.R. §14.501.
Hof Law, LLC remains steadfast in its mission to advocate for the rights and welfare of veterans. We urge the VA to continue this momentum and address these critical issues promptly.
About Joseph Hof
Joseph Hof is an honorably-discharged Army veteran with experience in providing results-oriented legal advice and guidance at the intersection of health and the law. As one of the very initial Army officers to go on Truvada for PrEP in 2014 when the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated their guidance to encourage the Defense Department to expand prescriptions of Gilead's Truvada to gay men under certain conditions, Joe went on to support the Federal government's response to Ebola and Covid-19 in January 2015 and March 2020.