Charleese,
I agree that it seems that the claim for compensation is much too generalized, and the veteran will need to be much more specific.
That’s not saying that the claim is not worth fighting for, but it will definitely be an uphill battle.
With that being said, you may want to try and provide the VA with more specific information upfront that will serve as supporting evidence and help the VA arrive at a favorable decision on the veteran’s behalf.
Be sure to have a copy of all of the Veteran’s service medical records and discharge papers.
You also mentioned that you already have a have a copy of a hospital report from the 6th General Hospital in North Africa letting his Commanding Officer know that he was admitted to that hospital on April 14, 1944 which states for head injury, dated April 15, 1944 in which the veteran was hospitalized for 7 days or more. That is good. Whatever you do, please make several copies of this information if you haven’t already done so. (I don't see the relevance of the mention of hospitilization for the Acute Tonsillitis) In cases such as these, information is often never found or may have been lost or destroyed mysteriously, as the case with the fire in Army Record Center St. Louis, MO back in 1973. It makes one wonder would a country so rich and powerful as ours be so ____ as to put all U.S. military records in one facility and it burn down. Mmmmmmmmmhhhhhhhh?????? Doubtful.
Please check with the Archives II office in Washington, D.C. They will not be able to provide you with the Veteran’s personal records, but they should at least be able to provide you with supporting documentation from the veteran’s unit. You could try checking for unit reports, morning reports, and medical records relevant to the date that the veteran was injured. (Research over the internet and check and see if the veterans unit may have been attached out under a different unit(s). If so, that may be key when trying to obtain supporting documentation) Never give more than a three month window for your search request, and if at all possible try and keep it limited to a two month request interval. Things were not kept on computers back during this time frame, so you don’t want to overwhelm others that will be trying to assist you with your research request.
Question for you??? Since being discharged from the service, has the veteran ever received treatment from a VA treatment facility? If so, was it prior to the fire in 1973? If your answer is yes, it’s quite possible that this particular VA facility may have retired records that could possibly contain the veteran’s individual personnel records.
Meanwhile, if you have not already done so, contact any and all of the veteran’s treating physicians over the years and request a copy of his/her medical records. Organize as much information as possible pertaining to the aforementioned injury. For example, **** type symptoms as early as ______, by Dr. ____, showing proof of treatments from _____hospital. Current letters from the veteran’s personal care physician on his/her behalf, as well as a VA treatment facility might not be a bad idea as well. (physician description/affect on daily activities…presently as well as to it’s correlation in the past)
If the veteran has any sworn affidavits or buddy statements from fellow unit members, referencing his/her injury include it. Also include any letters that could be given on his/her behalf from friends or family members showing how the following condition has affected the veteran over the years. (illustrating it’s effect on family members, co-workers, neighbors, or any others affected in their daily interaction with the veteran)
As for as the head injury, be specific. Be graphic, Re live the moment. Include even the minutest detail. The VA will try and be clueless. You are going to have to recreate a mental picture for them and how it has affected, traumatized, or affected the veteran medically when and since the incident has happened over the years.
Be patient, be persistent, and whatever you do, don’t give up.
Good luck, and don’t forget the request for an expedite due to the veteran’s age.
Hope this information helps you.
Last and not least, MAKE A COPY OF EVERYTHING!!!!!