question about UK261 flight compensation

i took a flight from London Heathrow to Los Angeles with a stop in Boston. both flights were purchased from Virgin Atlantic at the same time, under one ticket. the first flight arrived in Boston early. but the gate was occupied. and we sat for over an hour waiting. i missed my second flight. and had to spend the night in Boston awaiting another flight to LA the next day. I wrote to VA asking for reimbursement for hotels etc, and also sent a separate request for compensation/refund. they contacted me yesterday and approved my expenses, but made no mention of the flight expense. am i also entitled to compensation for the cost of the ticket? thank you!