Massive Veterans Affairs backlog leaves half a million waiting for benefits
July 10, 2012
by David Martin
CBS News
(CBS News) MANASSAS, Va. - It's Iraq, 2003, and a tragedy is about to happen. A photo shows a marine preparing to pull the trigger on a rocket-propelled grenade launcher. When he did, it blew up. After the smoke cleared two marines lay dead and Aaron Helstrom was riddled with shrapnel.
"I've got a fused spine that's causing me pain every day," Helstrom said.
He returned to active duty, served a tour in Afghanistan, and went on to become a master sergeant. Several months before he finally retired, Helstrom submitted a disability claim to the Department of Veterans Affairs, or VA.
After War: Eye on Veterans Affairs
It lists a total of 65 conditions ranging from his shrapnel wounds to PTSD which would qualify him for $2,800 a month in disability pay.
"They say at the time of your retirement or when you get out you will start receiving your compensation claim," Helstrom said. "That's not the case."
read more here
No comments:
Post a Comment
If it is not helpful, do not be hurtful. Spam removed so do not try putting up free ad.