🎖️ VALOR

John Basilone: The Marine Who Stood When Others Could Not

John Basilone was born on Nov. 4, 1916, in Buffalo, NY, the sixth of ten children in an Italian-American family. He grew up in Raritan, New Jersey, where he left school after the eighth grade to work as a caddie and truck driver. Restless and drawn to something bigger, Basilone enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1934 and was stationed in the Philippines, where his boxing skills earned him the nickname “Manila John.” After his enlistment ended, he came home and drove trucks for a few years before joining the U.S. Marine Corps on July 11, 1940. He wanted to be where it mattered most.

Basilone was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division when the United States entered World War II. In October 1942, during the Battle for Henderson Field on Guadalcanal, he faced one of the bloodiest nights of the Pacific campaign. On October 24–25, Japanese forces launched a massive attack on his company’s position. As a sergeant commanding two heavy machine-gun sections, Basilone stayed calm and relentless through the chaos.

He sprinted through enemy fire to resupply his guns when ammunition ran low. He cleared jams in total darkness, carried belts of ammo across open ground, and took over a gun himself when his crew went down. For nearly two days, he and his Marines held off waves of attackers until the line was littered with enemy dead. The defense of Henderson Field held, and Basilone’s actions became legendary among the men who survived it.

On May 21, 1943, Basilone received the Medal of Honor for his courage and leadership. When he returned to the United States, he was celebrated as a war hero and sent on a national bond tour. He smiled for the cameras and did his duty, but what he really wanted was to fight again. He was offered a commission and a safe instructor post, but he turned both down and requested to return to the front.

In late 1944, he married Marine sergeant Lena Mae Riggi before deploying to the Pacific again. On Feb. 19, 1945, he landed on Iwo Jima with the 5th Marine Division. The black volcanic sand was a death trap, but Basilone led his men through it. When a Japanese blockhouse pinned down his unit, he charged it alone, wiping out the defenders with grenades and demolitions. He then guided a trapped tank through a minefield under heavy fire, clearing a path for the advance. Moments later, a mortar shell exploded nearby, unfortunately killing him instantly.

He was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for his heroism on Iwo Jima, becoming the only enlisted Marine in World War II to receive both the Medal of Honor and the Navy Cross. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia. His wife, Lena, never remarried.  

John Basilone’s legacy lives on through the destroyer USS Basilone, the annual parade in his hometown of Raritan, and the schools, streets, and monuments that carry his name. His life represents a rare kind of courage rooted in loyalty, sacrifice, and the unshakable conviction to stand firm when others cannot. 

Honor veterans like John Basilone and watch more stories on our YouTube channel.

⚖️ EXPERTS

Understanding VA Disability Ratings for Plantar Fasciitis

Veterans diagnosed with plantar fasciitis (a painful inflammation of the fascia on the sole of the foot) may qualify for disability compensation if the condition is linked to their military service. The VA rates plantar fasciitis under diagnostic code 5269, with ratings from 10% to 40%, depending on severity and loss of function. 

VA Disability Ratings for Plantar Fasciitis 

• 40% Disability Rating: Reserved for veterans who have lost the use of a foot due to plantar fasciitis. 

• 30% Disability Rating: Applied when plantar fasciitis affects both feet and does not respond to surgical or non-surgical treatment (such as orthopedic shoes, inserts, or arch supports). Also applies to veterans recommended for surgery but determined not to be candidates for the procedure. 

• 20% Disability Rating: Assigned when the condition affects one foot with no relief from treatment, or when surgery was recommended, but the veteran cannot undergo surgery. 

• 10% Disability Rating: Given for cases of plantar fasciitis not requiring surgery or non-surgical treatment, whether in one or both feet. 

Qualifying for Service Connection 

To receive VA disability benefits for plantar fasciitis, veterans must establish: 

• Current Diagnosis: Confirmed by a physician or podiatrist. 

• In-Service Event or Injury: Proof that the condition began or worsened during military service. 

• Medical Nexus: A doctor’s opinion linking the in-service event to the current condition. 

Military duties involving prolonged standing, marching, or carrying heavy loads commonly contribute to plantar fasciitis and related foot issues such as flat feet or bunions. 

Secondary and Aggravated Conditions 

Veterans can claim secondary service connection if plantar fasciitis results from another service-connected disability, such as knee, hip, or back injuries that alter gait or posture. 

Those with pre-existing foot pain may qualify for service connection by aggravation if the condition worsened due to military activity, with medical evidence showing permanent progression beyond natural causes. 

C&P Exam and Appeals Process 

The Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam assesses severity and service connection, typically including: 

• Physical examination of both feet 

• X-rays or imaging 

• Discussion of how symptoms affect mobility and daily life 

If a claim is denied or the rating seems too low, veterans can appeal using their C&P records, medical statements, and supporting evidence. 

TDIU and 100% Disability Considerations 

While the highest schedular rating for plantar fasciitis is 40%, veterans may qualify for Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) if their combined service-connected disabilities prevent gainful employment. 

To qualify, veterans generally need: 

• One disability rated at 40% or higher, or 

• Multiple disabilities with a combined rating of 70% or more. 

Plantar fasciitis can contribute to TDIU eligibility if it significantly limits mobility or standing.

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

🦅SUPPORT

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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

How to Get a PROTECTED Rating (Veterans Benefits Explained) 

In this video, Hill & Ponton attorney Rachel Cheek breaks down how veterans can secure a protected VA disability rating and what safeguards apply at each stage.

Attorney Cheek explains that a protected rating isn’t automatically permanent. It depends on how long you’ve had it and whether your condition is considered static, meaning it’s unlikely to improve. Static conditions like arthritis, mental health disorders, or neurological issues typically aren’t reexamined regularly. On the other hand, disabilities expected to improve (such as post-surgical conditions or certain cancers) may require periodic reevaluations and can carry temporary 100% ratings during treatment and recovery. 

She then outlines the key protection milestones veterans should know: 

• Five-Year Rule: If your rating has been in place for under five years, the VA can lower it after one exam showing improvement. After five years, the VA must provide consistent medical evidence that your condition has actually improved before making any reduction. 

• Ten-Year Rule: Once your condition has been service-connected for ten years, the VA can’t take away your service connection unless there’s proof of fraud. They can still reduce your percentage if the evidence shows you’ve improved, but they can’t sever the connection itself. 

• Twenty-Year Rule: After twenty years at the same rating, that percentage becomes locked in. The VA can’t reduce it below that level unless the original award was based on fraud.  

Attorney Cheek also explains that veterans rated Permanent and Total (P&T) are generally protected from reductions unless there’s unmistakable evidence of significant improvement. Veterans with P&T status often qualify for Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits, which also serve as confirmation of their permanent rating. 

“So, P&T, once a veteran is considered to be permanent in total; they're not going to be subject to reduction unless there's evidence that the medical condition has significantly improved,” attorney Cheek says. 

She concludes by stating that knowing when your VA rating becomes protected can make all the difference in keeping your benefits secure and avoiding unnecessary reductions. 

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!