Ankle Injury Claim and Dependent Benefits Approved

A veteran filed his own claim requesting an increase for an injury to his right ankle with no supporting documents, and the claim was denied. He was already rated at 10% for the right ankle injury plus 10% for tinnitus for a combined rating of 20%.

A Massachusetts veteran service officer (VSO) assisted the veteran in refiling a claim for the right ankle and a supplementary claim for pain in the right heel — this time, with medical documentation. The claims were approved, raising the veteran’s combined rating to 40%.

The veteran received $4,704 in retroactive pay for his injury and was able to add his spouse and child as dependents, resulting in an additional $941 in benefits. With another baby on the way, the veteran will soon add a dependent. 

Contact a VVA Veteran Service Officer to assist with your claim in states that have a benefits program here, or search for a VSO from another organization through the VA’s website in states where we do not. Enter your ZIP code or city and state, and you’ll see which VSOs serve your area.