On May 15, 2018, Masuda, Funai, Eifert & Mitchell, Ltd. prevailed on appeal and received a welcome decision from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs Board of Veterans’ Appeals granting service-connection for an 82 year-old Army veteran.
The veteran came to the Firm in 2013 after reading an article in the Chicago Sun Times about the Firms’ success with a WWII veteran matter handled by Frank Del Barto. In this case, the veteran filed his initial disability claim in June 2011, seeking service-connected disability compensation for hearing loss due to his service in the Army in the late 1950s. After initially being denied, the Firm assisted the veteran with his appeal via written arguments which resulted in a partial compensation award (10%) for service-connected tinnitus. Continuing the appeal as to actual hearing loss, the Firm represented the veteran through additional written arguments and in-person representation during a March 2018 travel Board hearing at Hines VA Medical Center. The May 15th decision was issued following the Board hearing.
The veteran’s disability rating will now be adjusted upward resulting in a significant increase in his monthly compensation payment, which he will now receive for life. In addition, the veteran will also receive all back pay owed to him beginning from June 2011, his initial claim date, and will receive all past and future payments tax free.
Frank Del Barto has provided pro bono services to veterans and their dependents throughout his entire career at Masuda Funai and he has won awards for excellence in pro bono service in 2009 and 2013.