Former U.S. Marine reaches 100% combined VA disability rating

Client(s) Castro, Jose

Jones Day secured a 100% service-connected disability rating for a Marine veteran suffering from service-related conditions. Jose Castro is a former U.S. Marine who served in combat during the Gulf War Era and was honorably discharged in 2005. Mr. Castro received many ribbons, medals, and awards for his heroism. After his service, Mr. Castro suffered from multiple service-related conditions. However, for years he did not receive disability compensation from the VA. In 2024, our team filed an Application for Disability Compensation on behalf of Mr. Castro for several of his conditions. The VA’s decision on this application resulted in a 90% combined disability rating, which allowed Mr. Castro to begin receiving compensation. In November 2025, our team worked to helped Mr. Castro work toward a 100% rating that by filing a supplemental claim presenting additional evidence demonstrating his eligibility for higher rating for his tinnitus and headaches related to his traumatic brain injury certain conditions. In December 2025, the VA notified Mr. Castro that his claim for an increased rating for his headaches was granted, resulting in his overall rating reaching 100%, the highest compensation rating a veteran can receive.