Jefferson County, Alabama World War I

Rufus S. Hataway - PENSION

H. R. 13471. Rufus S. Hataway, Birmingham, Ala., served in Regular Establishment, First Company, United States Coast Artillery Corps. From May 4, to October 28, 1916, when honorably discharged. (I.O. 1425980.)

The records of the War Department show treatment in service as follows: May 27 to May 29, 1916, typhoid prophylaxis, in line of duty; July 11 to October 28, 1916, articular rheumatism acute, left ankle joint; following above attack of articular rheumatism, there appeared about July 30, 1916, exostosis internal malleolus, left ankle joint, in line of duty. Discharged October 28, 1916, on surgeon’s certificate of disability, on account of exostosis, internal malleolus, left ankle joint.

He filed a claim for pension December 18, 1916, based upon disease of left ankle and impaired sight of both eyes. It was rejected, disease of eyes on ground of no record or evidence showing origin in service and existence at discharge, and disease of left ankle on the ground that a ratable degree of disability therefrom had not been shown since date of filing claim. That part of the claim based upon disease of left ankle was legally approved. The disability was so severe that it caused the soldier to be discharged from the service. The surgeon who examined him March 31, 1917, by direction fo the Bureau of Pensions, reported that he walked with a slight limp, favoring left foot in walking, and that there was stiffness. Another surgeon who examined him February 6, 1918, found a slight swelling of left ankle. Both surgeons found disease of eyes. A small rating of $1 per month was recommended for disease of ankle.

Lay witness testify that he owns no property. A physician testifies that by reason if injured ankle, disease of stomach, and nervousness, he is one-half disabled for manual labor. It is believed that disease or injury of left ankle is due to soldier’s Army service, and warrants a pension of $12 per month, and it is so recommended.

[Calendar No. 752., 66^th Congress, 3d Session. Senate. Report No. 780, PFNSIONS AND INCREASE OF PENSIONS FOR CERTAIN SOLDIERS AND SAILORS OF THE REGULAR ARMY AND NAVY, ETC., February 9 (calendar day, February 12), 1921 - Ordered to be printed., Transcribed by C. Anthony]