Manuel

Petty Officer (First Class) Manuel Ramos is a US Navy Reserve member who served in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. He lives in his home in South Hadley, which he was able to purchase during his years in the service.

Injuries sustained during his combat service have left Petty Officer Ramos permanently disabled. Given his condition, the Navy reserve instructed him to begin the process for a medical separation.

Without his military income, Petty Officer Ramos was unable to make mortgage payments on his home, and the lender began a foreclosure action against him. At the end of the separation process, Petty Officer Ramos expected to have 100% VA disability compensation, which would be more than adequate to cover his mortgage payments.

CLA attorney Daniel Bahls identified areas in which the loan servicer had been cutting corners while in the foreclosure process. As a result of Attorney Bahls’s advocacy, the loan servicer halted the foreclosure until the VA reached a positive decision on the disability claim for Petty Officer Ramos. Attorney Bahls then worked with the bank to reduce the monthly mortgage payment, allowing Petty Officer Ramos to affordably keep the home he is so proud of.