I believe his story. However, what has taken him so long to go to the VA? That is the first place I go to when ever I move different locations. Plus everyone knows about the fire so you would think the VA would be a bit more compassionate about that. I still find it strange that after 60 years he is now just going to the VA.
He sounds like he has always taken care of everything HIMSELF, self sufficient, dependent on no one. It states he gave up his house, car, stocks and bonds to care for himself. He should be commended for this, not criticized.
I’m 75 years old, honorably discharged from the Marine Corps. I have NEVER used the VA because I believe that the care should go to those more needy and more brave than I.
I once had a neighbor who, though obviously severely crippled due to WWII injuries, worked his entire life as a cardealer. He never received anything from them other than his initial 2 years of hospitalization and rehab. In fact, when he died, we had to help his widow apply for burial benefits at the funeral homes insistence. She said that, after recovering he just wanted to put it all behind him and considered himself blessed to have survived to come home unlike many of his friends..... A rare individual!!
I agree. Sure his situation is likely a bureaucratic snafu and it is the government’s fault not his they their records burned up and were not backed up in any way.
But they still must attempt to check things before giving away tax payers money. Anytime there is a big pile of money people will come try to get it whether or not they have a claim on it, so there must be some controls.
I am a bit surprised that the VA did not fold as soon as a media source contacted them?
I served over forty years ago and I’ve never been to the VA.
My husband (Vietnam vet) has never gone to the VA.
He doesn’t trust them.
I did go in once to argue for benefits for a friend only to be told that I had no standing since I wasn't in their system - then that I couldn't get into the system because my salary was too high. (PS: any one having served in a combat zone is eligible but I know of only who never left CONUS who are receiving medical benefits.)
My father served in Okinawa, WWII. 92 now. As far as I know, he never used any of his VA benefits.