In 2017, Navy Veteran Leo Ramsay came to CVLC after years of dealing with worsening chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). For the last 10 years, he was unable to work due to his debilitating health condition, and was living on $1,200 a month to cover his personal and medical expenses.

In 1969, shortly after Mr. Ramsay entered the Navy, he was assigned to the USS Lexington where he remained throughout his entire four years in service. He served as a seaman and boatswain’s mate, which meant he was responsible for the ship’s maintenance and also served as a helmsman on the ship’s bridge.  While Mr. Ramsay was on the Lexington, he came in contact with asbestos, lead-based paint, acids, and other chemicals and airborne agents, often while he was working in enclosed spaces.  When they were at sea, he would only spend about 30% of his time above deck. Even in his sleep, Mr. Ramsay was constantly breathing in jet fuel, diesel, and other chemicals.

“Thank God for the VA and for CVLC. The work [CVLC] does is unbelievable. It is a blessing that us veterans have the opportunity to use [CVLC’s] services.”

Later, Mr. Ramsay’s left lung collapsed and he was diagnosed with COPD. In 2012, he was admitted to the hospital multiple times for pneumonia and he later developed asthma. In 2017, Mr. Ramsay’s doctor put him on oxygen and he now uses it daily.

Attorney Christy Fisher and two students from Yale Law School’s Medical-Legal Partnership program – Eric Baudry (‘19) and Naomi Stark (’22) –   worked with Mr. Ramsay to file for service-connected disability benefits for his COPD. Eric thoroughly researched and documented Mr. Ramsay’s COPD’s claims as well as his mental health condition; earlier this year, Naomi represented Mr. Ramsay at a Decision Review Officer (DRO) hearing.  Based on CVLC’s advocacy, the COPD claim was successful and earlier this year the VA granted Mr. Ramsay 100% service connection, with benefits retroactive to 2017.  He is now able to focus on his health, and not having to worry about paying the bills. He is grateful for CVLC’s assistance.

“Thank God for the VA and for CVLC. The work [CVLC] does is unbelievable. It is a blessing that us veterans have the opportunity to use [CVLC’s] services.”

Mr. Ramsay encourages other veterans to seek assistance with service-connected disability claims sooner rather than later. “Don’t wait so long. I’ve been dealing with this for a long time. Once I went on oxygen, I knew my health was really getting worse.”

During his time in service, Mr. Ramsay witnessed severe injuries, attempted suicides, and tragic deaths that contributed to his post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). By accessing service-connection disability benefits, Mr. Ramsay can focus on recovering from both his physical and mental wounds. Mr. Ramsay continues to work with Attorney Fisher to pursue his service connection claim for his PTSD and anxiety.

“In the end, it felt like we were family. It was hard to talk about certain things, but CVLC was very understanding and they didn’t push me. I never felt pressured. Everyone was very caring and I am very grateful. I really appreciate [CVLC].”