Iraq veteran rerated as 100% disabled on appeal

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Iraq Veteran rerated as 100% disabled on appeal
By Paul Wood
Wednesday June 13, 2007
CHAMPAIGN – Sgt. Garrett Anderson is 100 percent again, at least as
far as his disability rating goes.

The soldier's injuries remain, though he is being helped by therapy.

On Oct. 15, 2005, an improvised explosive device tore through his body
in Iraq, smashing his jaw and an eye socket, severing his tongue,
shocking his brain and destroying his lower right arm.

But after a painful stay at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, the
Veterans Benefits Administration told the 30-year-old in March that he is
only 90 percent disabled, following a complicated formula that gives him
70 percent automatically for his arm.

The letter said his shrapnel injuries "were not combat-related."

With the help of his wife, Sam, who just graduated from law school, the
Bellflower native appealed the ruling. The newest letter says he is 100
percent disabled, which gives his family about $1,000 more a month and
greatly increases education benefits for his family.

Anderson said Tuesday he's "very pleased" about the change in the
decision.

He thanked U.S. Rep. Tim Johnson, R-Urbana, and especially U.S. Sen.
Richard Durbin.

"I think Durbin was the squeaky wheel that got it done," Anderson said.

The family has already received some reimbursement for costs incurred
under the old rating.

"Now my daughter (Skyler) will be able to go college for free. We're
also working on getting some help with Sam's law school loans," he said.

As a National Guard soldier earning hazard pay in Iraq, Anderson earned
$3,000 a month. His disability pay will be close to that.

The Andersons had been told the process could take two years.