(Client’s name has been changed to protect privacy)
When Mr. Madden walked into SALSA’s office at the Good Samaritan Veterans Outreach & Transition Center in February 2022, his determination was palpable. A stroke had left him unable to walk or speak clearly, and he faced significant challenges in navigating a complex VA benefits system. After years of persistent denials, he was at a crossroads, seeking someone who could help him fight for the benefits he had earned through his service.
Mr. Madden served aboard a Coast Guard Cutter from 1967 to 1971, where he was exposed to hazardous levels of airborne lead and asbestos. Despite the VA acknowledging his exposure, they refused to link it to his debilitating conditions. For years, he tried to advocate for himself, but his claims were consistently denied due to incomplete records, gaps in medical evidence, and bureaucratic obstacles.
As one of the first cases handled by a SALSA staff attorney and a legal fellow from St. Mary’s University School of Law, Mr. Madden’s journey became a powerful testament to persistence and advocacy. The team encountered numerous challenges:
- Service records stored outside of standard archives.
- A lack of clear causal evidence connecting his exposure to his conditions.
- The need to challenge VA examiners’ findings and qualifications.
Despite these obstacles, SALSA’s team worked tirelessly, diving into medical research, navigating obscure record-keeping systems, and submitting multiple rounds of appeals. Over nearly three years, they pieced together a robust case to secure justice for Mr. Madden.
Milestones of Advocacy
- Fighting for Fair Evaluation: The team used creative legal strategies and extensive documentation to strengthen Mr. Madden’s case, overcoming systemic barriers to fair evaluation. Securing a 70% disability rating.
- Challenging Systemic Errors: Through a “Duty to Assist” appeal, SALSA’s attorneys forced the VA to revisit prior denials and conduct further medical development.
- Securing Financial Stability: In January 2025, after nearly three years of advocacy, Mr. Madden was awarded an 80% disability rating, resulting in over $26,000 in back pay and $2,047.89 in monthly benefits. His wife, Mrs. Madden, was also successfully added as a dependent.
This victory not only honored Mr. Madden’s service but also provided essential financial security for him and his family. The case challenged every aspect of the legal team’s expertise, pushing them to navigate complex medical evidence, bureaucratic roadblocks, and an uphill battle for justice.
Join the Fight for Justice
Every day, SALSA staff and pro bono legal volunteers advocate for veterans like Mr. Madden, helping them navigate complex legal systems and secure the benefits they’ve earned. Your support makes these life-changing outcomes possible. Together, we can honor their service by ensuring they receive the assistance they deserve.
Become a recurring donor today and help us continue to make a difference in the lives of veterans.