My brother in law's VA benefits discontinued -

[babylonsister]

My b-i-l was granted 100% disability about 5 years ago because he suffers from PTSD; he was a tunnel rat in VN and has never really recovered.
Yesterday his family was told his benefits were to be terminated by September. This man is 54 years old. He taught for many years but that became too much as he'd have flashbacks in the classroom. So what's a man to do? He's considering a greeter job at Wal-Mart though they've sworn not to shop there.
At least he has a working spouse but what of those vets that have nothing and no one? Yep, the blivet is doing a bang-up job of protecting and helping our vets who gave so much to this country. :cry:
I suggested they appeal this but so far they've only been told about the discontinued benefits and don't know what will happen in September.

[blm]

1. Contact Vietnam Vets group.

.

[babylonsister]

7. He belongs to vets' groups; I will get

more info and see how they're counseling him.

[atreides1]

2. And Still

The MSM fails to report on this assault on veterans, and their benefits.

I wonder what all the "Support the Troops" Bush lovers would think about this, but then again they didn't have much sympathy for the
troops when the Republicans were trying to gut the VA budget.

It took the "liberal" Democrats to point out what was being done.

I am truly beginning to hate those magnetic ribbon buying sacks of crap.

[Stephanie]

3. They promised him benefits for life and now they're reneging?

Is that it? Can you trace it back to a particular policy or budget cut? I'd be curious to know. BushCO seems to have the same attitude to vets as big business does to its employees - just because they promised pension and health doesn't mean they feel obligated to fulfill their promise.

[babylonsister]

8. Yes, that's my understanding. My husband, a vet, also

thinks this is suspect and probably illegal. They are still reeling from the initial blow; I'll find out more ASAP. I don't know/wasn't told what policy or cut instigated this.

[jaxx]

4. Get busy before it's stopped.

Call your local congressman/woman. Get ahold of your senators. Give the story to your local media, and send copies to the MSM. They count on people not fighting back when they pull this crap.

[SammyWinstonJack]

19. Yes do this!

This is exactly what needs to be done!

[pop goes the weasel]

5. regardless of who your Congressman and Senators are

Call them. And call the hometown paper and local TV news where your b-i-l lives. The Bushies think they can remove benefits for PTSD because they think no one cares what happens to "crazy" veterans. When we shine the light on their dark deeds, they scurry away like the cockroaches they are.

[mcscajun]

6. Also contact his Congressional Representative.

They have people in their offices to assist constituents with navigating the Federal Bureaucracy.

[Divernan]

9. They must appeal in writing IMMEDIATELY

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.

[mailman82]

10. VA

Contact The Didabled American Veterans, or the DAV as they are known. They really helped me. And I don't think you have to be a member.

[babylonsister]

11. Thanks everyone for your kindness and suggestions. I've

sent this thread to my sister. If I get more info I will share.

[B Calm]

12. My dad is 90% disabled WW2 vet. We have been trying to

get him in the VA hospital under Hospice Care since his stroke two weeks ago. We were told there were two empty beds a week ago and that his transfer from the hospital where he's at would be in the next day or so. Now they are saying since he's only 90% he's in a long long line...

[babylonsister]

16. Aw, I'm sorry, B Calm. My uncle, a 26 year vet with

pancreatic cancer, never did find a warm bed at the VA. He died several years ago.:hug:

[GreenPartyVoter]

13. :^(

[unhappycamper]

14. Sorry to hear that.

Unless something changes, ALL of our vets will be left behind.

Perhaps Skinner could send an action alert to our activists? PM him - it's worth a try.

[babylonsister]

15. That't an excellent idea, but I'd like to know about their

paper trail first; where did this notification come from. And I'm trying not to be too nosy but would love to help them fight this, for my b-i-l and all vets. It's unconscionable.

[unhappycamper]

18. Get the paperwork first.

And yes, it is unconscionable.

[Bluerthanblue]

17. i am SO

angry to hear this. An as a person who suffers from PTSD i understand how frustrating and debilitating this can be.

PLEASE- tell him to appeal- and to tell all his health care providers what is going on.- This isn't a 'fake' or 'weak' disability. The suicide rate for those of us who suffer from this is VERY high. And the self-hatred and lack of trust in any kind of 'future' or 'goodness' that often accompanies it, cannot help but be shaken by this potential abandonment. i've lost too many truly special fellow sufferers to suicide, and slow suicide because of this very same thing.

i wish with all that i am, i could do something.

We have to stop avoiding the hidden wounds, which kill every bit as effectively as bullets and bombs.