Navigating one's way through military service isn't always easy. Just as difficult (perhaps even more so) is navigating one's way to obtaining benefits for disability that may have been incurred during one's military service. In 1920 and 1921, Grandpa Jim went through the process of applying for benefits and coverage for treatment through the Bureau of War Risk Insurance (a precursor to the VA).
On August 18, 1920, Jim went to Dr. Victor B. Ayers, an Army Doctor from Buena Vista, Colorado, for a physical examination. His physical examination found the following: he had 20/30 vision (Grandpa Jim did wear glasses later in life), normal hearing, and normal blood pressure and pulse. His breathing indicated that he had bronchitis, and he had dental problems. In particular, caries in several of his teeth and two molars that were removed during his time in the Army. The physical examination also indicates that he contracted influenza in September and October of 1918 while en route to France.
There is something unusual about this part of the Claims File. There are two physical examinations dated August 18, 1920. One is for James Robert Dodge, and the other one is for one Robert Dodge. The physical examination for James Robert Dodge indicates all the health findings and issues mentioned above. The physical examination for Robert Dodge indicates many of the same things, but also indicates cardiac issues, which is something that Grandpa Jim never claimed. In looking at the monthly rosters for Company F, 9th Infantry Regiment, there are two Dodge's that served at the same time from November 1918 until April of 1919; James Robert Dodge (my ancestor), and Robert L. Dodge, who served in the Army from September 1917 until October of 1919. This Robert L. Dodge went to France in April of 1918 and returned home in June of 1919. The physical examination for Robert Dodge lists a different Claim number (305573), while the physical examination for James Robert Dodge has Claim number 305573 crossed out and the correct Claim number 497003 stamped on the physical examination form. It is very likely that the person who transcribed the physical examination form mixed up these two people as they both served in the same Company and Regiment at the same time.
It is also important to note that the Claim Number for Grandpa Jim, 497003, issued in 1920, would be used on all future claims applications and forms for the next sixty-nine years (until 1989).
On October 16, 1920, the Compensation and Insurance Claims Division requested additional information for James Robert Dodge from the Bureau of War Risk Insurance. The form lists all the correct identifying information for Grandpa Jim. The form (on the back) indicated that there was no record of disability and that there were no medical records found for James Robert Dodge. A copy of the form is shown below.
On November 12, 1920, Jim underwent a dental examination by Dr. Earl Harrington in Leadville, Colorado. The dental examination show that one his lower molars had been extracted, but he does not remember when the extraction took place. The dental examination indicated that several of his teeth needed treatment ranging from filling in cavities to root canals. The dental examination and request for dental compensation was submitted to the United States Public Health Service.
Along with this request, he submitted an Application for Person Disabled in and Discharged from Service. This application was dated February 12, 1921. The disability he claims are his teeth and deafness in his right ear (something which was not examined previously). This application also gives his history of work before and after his military service. He worked as a farm hand earning $35 a month during 1917 and 1918. He also lists one of his employers before his service as the Colorado Midland Railroad, for whom he worked for only and and one-half months (he would later work for the Union Pacific during the 1940's).
His application also lists his occupation since being discharged from military service. He was working as a farm hand in Buena Vista and earning $35 per month. At this time, he was single and had no children. The application also states that his father, Nathaniel T. Dodge (listed as N.T. Dodge), was dependent on him for financial support and that he provided $15 to $20 per month to his father. He states that he tried to make an allotment of his pay to be sent home to his mother while in the military but it was not allowed. My previous post talks about how his mother was supposed to have received an allotment of $15 per month, but that did not happen. The Application is shown below.
On March 14, 1921, Jim received bad news. He was not entitled to receive compensation for his dental treatment. The dental disability, he was told, was less than 10% (meaning that he was less than 10% disabled because of his dental ailment) and that his dental problems were not connected to his military service. On March 21, 1921, he was asked to provide additional medical evidence that his disability was related to his military service, including an affidavit from someone he had served with indicating the circumstances in which his disability began as well as additional medical evidence. On July 7, 1921, his claim was disallowed for failure to prosecute his claim. It appears that after March of 1921, he realized that he would have to take care of his dental issues without any financial assistance and didn't pursue the matter any further. It isn't known if he received the dental care that he needed.
I can't imagine how frustrating this experience must have been for Grandpa Jim; going through the process of gathering information and filling out the needed forms to get some assistance only to be turned down. The only bonus or additional compensation he had received was a $60 bonus and travel pay for $12.88 from Cheyenne to Buena Vista that was paid to him when he was discharged in 1919. In 1924, that would change. My next post will look at the adjusted compensation that he would apply for in 1924, as well as payment of this compensation in 1936.
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