Reply #9: They must appeal in writing IMMEDIATELY [View All]

[Divernan]

First of all, I doubt the VA told "his family" any thing. They would have sent a letter addressed to your brother-in-law. The VA had to give him some WRITTEN notice. That notice should have included information on how and to whom and by what DEADLINE he could appeal this decision.

Perhaps that information was in the letter, but wasn't understood by your brother-in-law. But the norm would be that when one's benefits are being discontinued, they have the right to appeal, but must carefully follow the agency's requirements on appealing. One thing for sure, there will be a deadline, and the appeal must be in writing. The deadline could be as little as 30 days.

Another inconsistency in your post is "so far they've only been told about the discontinued benefits and don't know what will happen in September. But earlier in your post you specifically stated: "Yesterday his family was told his benefits were TO BE TERMINATED IN SEPTEMBER (my emphasis added)." So you do know what will happen in September. The money stops.

These benefits are extremely valuable and worth fighting for.
Your Brother in law should get in touch with some veterans' group to guide him in fighting this decision. And not a bunch of old farts hanging out at the local American Legion. Get him in touch with a Vietnam Vets group. The govt. is probably pulling this shit on many, many vets. He should additionally call his congressperson and both senators, and hope that someone on the staffs there will give him some guidance on how to appeal this.