🎖️ VALOR

On His Last Leg — and Still Standing Tall: The Story of Staff Sergeant Tony Ringus

In this Story of Valor, we’re honored to feature one of our very own — Cassandra Crosby — who shares the inspiring story of her grandfather, Staff Sergeant Tony Ringus. His courage, sacrifice, and unwavering resilience remind us of the extraordinary strength that defines our nation’s veterans.

My grandfather, Tony Ringus, served as a Staff Sergeant in the US Army during World War II. He was stationed in Africa and Italy as a member of the 168th Infantry, part of the 37th Infantry Division and 67th Armored Regiment.  

He was initially deployed to Operation Torch in 1942 to Casablanca, North Africa, where the Allies fought Axis troops, including Vichy French troops, French soldiers who aligned with Nazi Germany.  

He then participated in the Allied invasion of Sicily in 1942. He stayed in Italy fighting Hitler’s and Mussolini's troops during the remainder of the war until 1944.  He and his unit were walking and fighting their way north through Italy in the southern Alps rooting out insurgents, when he was shot in the right leg. He was evacuated to Ireland to the US Army hospital for recovery and was then transported back to the US. 

After he returned to the US, he married my grandmother (who was divorced) and adopted my mother. During the next almost 20 years, he endured over 65 surgeries at the hands of the VA surgeons at Bay Pines in St. Petersburg, FL, before they finally removed his leg just above the knee in 1962.  After his amputation, he learned to swim and mow his own yard. He opened a television repair shop that he owned until he retired and was one of the most respected small business owners in our small town.  His favorite joke was when someone asked him how he was, he would say, “I’m on my last leg.” 

The surgeries and medications he was prescribed caused him to never be able to have any children of his own and he battled severe pain his entire life.  He also suffered from PTSD and slept with a machete under his mattress which he once used to chase a teenager down the street with who was on their property.  

My grandfather was awarded the Purple Heart, the American Campaign Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, the American Defense Medal, and the European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, with device and was a member of the VFW. I would go with him as a child and sell poppies on Armistice Day every year.  He was very proud of his service and being a part of the fight for the democracy of our country.  

My grandfather taught me to always look at the other point of view, never assume that your opinion is the only one there is, and remember that everyone has a different perspective to consider. He is the only man in my life who was always there, and he was and always will be my hero.  He passed away in a VA hospital in 2005 at the age of 84 from dehydration. 

Honor veterans like Staff Sergeant Tony Ringus and watch more stories on our YouTube channel.

⚖️ EXPERTS

DIC Benefits Explained: What Surviving Spouses, Children, and Parents Should Know

Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) is a lesser-known VA benefit explicitly created for survivors of deceased veterans. Unlike most VA benefits that focus on the service member, DIC provides financial support to spouses, dependent children, and, in some cases, parents who relied on the veteran. Its purpose is to honor the veteran’s sacrifice while easing the hardship of their passing. 

Why DIC Benefits Matter 

DIC ensures survivors are not left without support after the loss of a loved one. These benefits help replace income, recognize the service-connected sacrifice, and provide stability for families facing unique challenges.  

How Survivors Qualify for DIC 

• Service Connection: The veteran’s death must be caused or linked to a service-connected disability, or a presumptive condition tied to service. 

• Active Duty Deaths: Survivors may qualify if the veteran died while on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training, provided the discharge was not for misconduct. 

• Disability Ratings: Even if the death was not service-related, DIC can apply if the veteran had a 100% disability rating for: 

  • At least 10 years before death. 

  • At least 5 years after leaving service. 

  • At least 1 year for former POWs. 

Who Can Receive DIC Benefits 

• Spouses: Eligible if married at the time of death, with conditions such as marriage length, shared children, or marriage before discharge. Certain remarriages after age 57 (or 55 for some DoD benefits) do not disqualify eligibility. 

• Dependent Children: Must be unmarried and under 18 (or 23 if in school) or permanently disabled before 18. Stepchildren may qualify under specific conditions. 

• Parents: Biological, adoptive, or foster parents may be eligible if financially dependent on the veteran, subject to strict income limits. 

Additional Rules and Enhancements 

• 8-Year Rule: Surviving spouses may receive an added monthly benefit if the veteran was totally disabled for 8 years before death and the marriage lasted those same 8 years. 

• Rates: As of December 1, 2024, the base rate for spouses is $1,653.07/month, with additional amounts available for children, Aid & Attendance, or housebound status. Parent benefits are need-based. 

Tips for Strong DIC Claims 

• File within one year of death to preserve retroactive payments. 

• Social Security applications may sometimes count as DIC claims if forwarded correctly. 

• Survivors may also qualify for accrued benefits, burial reimbursement, pensions, or CHAMPVA. 

• There are two legal paths to DIC (service-connected death or long-term 100% disability rating). Skilled legal support can ensure both are argued effectively. 

DIC in Perspective 

DIC is a vital survivor benefit that ensures veterans' sacrifices are honored through ongoing support to their families. By understanding eligibility and filing correctly, survivors can secure financial assistance that helps them move forward. Done right, a DIC claim can be the lifeline that ensures a family’s needs are met after their veteran’s passing.

If you’re facing challenges with your claim and need assistance, reach out for a free case evaluation.

🦅SUPPORT

Attention: Join us every Tuesday at 1400 hours EST for a new Livestream with our legal team!

Join us to get your questions about VA disability law and the claims process answered by our legal team. Comments open 1 hour prior to the Livestream starting, so get there early to get your question in. We try to answer as many as we can!

Were You Exposed to Asbestos During Military Service?

Many U.S. veterans were exposed to asbestos during their time in service, often without knowing the risks. Years later, this exposure has led to mesothelioma and other asbestos-related lung cancers for countless veterans.

If you served in the military and have been diagnosed, you may qualify for compensation. Our firm proudly helps veterans and their families pursue the benefits and justice they deserve.

Act now. Contact us today at (855) 494-1298 to learn more about your options or to begin your claim. You’ve served your country; let us serve you.

🗺️ TACTICS

The Surprising Truth About Remanded Claims Nobody Tells You 

In this video, Hill & Ponton attorney Shelly Mark and senior appellate counsel Kerry Baker answer a veteran’s question about what happens when the BVA issues a remand under the AMA.  

They explain that a remand is not the end of the road but a step that sends the case back for further development. Instead of going to the local VA office, remanded cases are handled by Decision Review Operations Centers, which specialize in appeals. This system is meant to create consistency, but it often leaves veterans unsure of where their case stands.

Mark and Baker pointed out that remanded cases are placed in line by the remand date, not the original claim date. This can make long-pending cases look like new ones. They also explained that the AMA assigns new docket numbers to remanded cases, which pushes them to the back of the Board’s queue. Under the older Legacy system, appeals kept their original docket number, protecting their place in line.

They emphasized the importance of knowing what a remand requires. It may involve a new Compensation and Pension exam, additional medical records, or other evidence. Veterans who provide documents quickly and track the development requested can help prevent further delays.

Mark and Baker closed by noting that while the AMA was designed to speed up appeals, the current process often makes veterans feel like they are starting over. Support networks and resources like V.E.T.S Advantage can make a real difference by giving veterans the knowledge and encouragement to stay proactive and get their benefits more efficiently.

"Of course, if there's anything that you have that you can submit or get to the regional office to kind of cut down the time that they require for any development that may help them make a decision more quickly", attorney Mark concludes.

Need Help with an Appeal? Hill & Ponton is Here for You

At Hill & Ponton, we specialize in helping veterans navigate the VA appeals process to secure the benefits they rightfully deserve. Whether you're facing a denied claim, an appeal for a higher rating, or need assistance gathering critical evidence, our team is ready to advocate for you.

Use our VA Disability Calculator to see if your current rating aligns with your level of disability and explore potential increases based on any secondary conditions you may have. Calculate Your VA Disability Rating Now!