Vietnam Veteran May Lose Home Because of Benefit Reductions

Many of our readers understand the frustration of dealing with the Veterans Administration after being injured while serving the country they love. The long delays and complications with rejected petitions can be maddening. Also troubling are the reductions in benefits when a determination is made that injuries (or symptoms) have been abated, when they have not. A new story details how a Vietnam veteran may lose his home because of benefit reductions.

The story of a Vietnam veteran in Chicago exemplifies these troubles. Sonny Cooper served as a Marine in 1967 and was exposed to Agent Orange, a toxic herbicide used to destroy jungles in southeast Asia. He later developed prostate cancer, which the VA linked to his Agent Orange exposure. He was awarded 100 percent disability pay, but according to a CBS Chicago report, his benefits will be reduced to 20 percent because the Administration believes that his cancer is in remission.

This reduction may leave him without any income, or the ability to pay for his household expenses. At age 72, he does not work, and his experience has been especially difficult given that his cancer has spread to his colon, ostensibly caused by the cancer in his prostate.

The VA claims that it is looking into his case, but we have discussed in our recent posts that investigations can be slow and cumbersome.

If you are facing a reduction in benefits, the assistance of an experienced attorney can be invaluable. We represent disabled veterans across the United States, and our attorneys can help claimants navigate the system that can lead to improper denials. We encourage readers to review our veteran on veterans’ affairs.

Source: CBSlocal.com, Vietnam vet with cancer might lose home due to reduced benefits, January 9, 2013.