Phillip Berry (1831-1915) Medical Examination, Philadelphia PA 1868.01.30
Philadelphia Pa.
January 30th, 1868.
Sir;
In the case of Philip Berry, an invalid pensioner on the roll of the Philadelphia Agency, pensioned at "One Half" but paid at the rate of One Fourth on account of "Gunshot wound of right leg" and examined by me in compliance with your instructions with reference to Special Examinations, dated September 13th, 1867. - I submit the following report.
On the 30th day of January 1868, I visited Mr. Berry at his residence no. 14 South 16th. Street Philadelphia, and was informed by him that while in the line of duty near Coal [Cold] Harbor Va. on the 3rd of June 1864, he received a gunshot wound of right leg - on account of which he had been pensioned.
Upon examination it appeared that a missile had entered inner anterior surface of right leg at head of tibia; passed downward and backward, tending to the right, and made its exit from centre of posterior surface of leg upper third, slightly comminuting tibia, and lacerating muscles.
Some fragments of bone came away, gangrene followed, leaving a deep and irregular cicatrix two and a half inches in width, extending from entrance anteriorly, to near the exit of ball posteriorly; involving inner superior fibres of gastrocnemius muscle, tendons of inner hamstring, and superficial vessels.
The action of the limb is but partially impaired, power more seriously affected - cannot stand for any length of time, nor walk more than a few squares without suffering great in-convenience from pain at point of injury, and swelling of limb below.
The disability from the foregoing cause should be rated at fully Three Eighths, if not at One Half, as originally
It is my opinion that injustice has been done in reducing the pension to two dollars per month and I would suggest that the Agent be instructed to pay Mr. Berry at the rate of Three Eighths, or Three Dollars per month from Septem-ber 1867. The habits of the pensioner are temperate, and he makes no attempt to magnify the character of the disability.
The condition will not improve; and I would further suggest that only biennial examinations be required in future.
Respectfully
Yours etc.
Jas. H. Oliver.
Examining Surgeon
Hon: Joseph H. Barrett
Commissioner of Pensions
Washinton City
D.C.
Phillip Berry (1831-1915) Medical Examination, Philadelphia PA 1868.01.30
Philadelphia Pa.
January 30th, 1868.
Sir;
In the case of Philip Berry, an invalid pensioner on the roll of the Philadelphia Agency, pensioned at "One Half" but paid at the rate of One Fourth on account of "Gunshot wound of right leg" and examined by me in compliance with your instructions with reference to Special Examinations, dated September 13th, 1867. - I submit the following report.
On the 30th day of January 1868, I visited Mr. Berry at his residence no. 14 South 16th. Street Philadelphia, and was informed by him that while in the line of duty near Coal [Cold] Harbor Va. on the 3rd of June 1864, he received a gunshot wound of right leg - on account of which he had been pensioned.
Upon examination it appeared that a missile had entered inner anterior surface of right leg at head of tibia; passed downward and backward, tending to the right, and made its exit from centre of posterior surface of leg upper third, slightly comminuting tibia, and lacerating muscles.
Some fragments of bone came away, gangrene followed, leaving a deep and irregular cicatrix two and a half inches in width, extending from entrance anteriorly, to near the exit of ball posteriorly; involving inner superior fibres of gastrocnemius muscle, tendons of inner hamstring, and superficial vessels.
The action of the limb is but partially impaired, power more seriously affected - cannot stand for any length of time, nor walk more than a few squares without suffering great in-convenience from pain at point of injury, and swelling of limb below.
The disability from the foregoing cause should be rated at fully Three Eighths, if not at One Half, as originally
It is my opinion that injustice has been done in reducing the pension to two dollars per month and I would suggest that the Agent be instructed to pay Mr. Berry at the rate of Three Eighths, or Three Dollars per month from Septem-ber 1867. The habits of the pensioner are temperate, and he makes no attempt to magnify the character of the disability.
The condition will not improve; and I would further suggest that only biennial examinations be required in future.
Respectfully
Yours etc.
Jas. H. Oliver.
Examining Surgeon
Hon: Joseph H. Barrett
Commissioner of Pensions
Washinton City
D.C.