A disabled veteran came to our office for help. Cumulatively, his service-connected disability ratings totaled 220%. For example, he had four separately rated shrapnel wounds all with retained pieces of shrapnel in different parts of his body, including his chest and his leg, which caused significant pain and weakness. After several administrative hearings and a United States District Court appeal, we were able to prove on remand that the veteran was disabled under Social Security’s regulations. When the claim was finally granted after fighting nine years, he received over 130 thousand dollars of retroactive benefits for him and his children.