Legion and VA working together to resolve delayed claims, unfulfilled benefits and other related problems for veterans in Tennessee, Mississippi and Arkansas.
Dan Wilkins served his nation, retiring after a 20-year career in the Navy, which included a stint in Vietnam.
Wilkins, now living in Olive Branch, Miss., has been fighting to get a decision on a health benefit claim for five years. The claim relates to his prostate cancer and is connected to the ship on which he served, which is among those on the Agent Orange exposure list.
Fortunately, his cancer is now in remission. “I’m still healthy enough to fight it so that’s why I am here,” he said Tuesday during the first day of The American Legion’s Veterans Benefits Center (VBC) in Memphis.
Wilkins, a life member of the Legion, left the VBC pleased and optimistic. “Today was good because I got the answers as to why it’s taking so long. It’s a hot claim (it is over two years old). Hopefully, it won’t take much longer.”
After talking with a VA representative at the VBC, Wilkins understands what he needs to do to verify some information to allow his claim to resume its movement through processing. He was told he would get an answer soon. “I’m very satisfied. It’s an answer. Instead of getting the run around – ‘Oh, it’s in the decision process.’ A decision is a decision. Let’s make one.“
That feeling of satisfaction was evident in each veteran who visited the first day of the VBC.
As they have done at a dozen other VBCs in U.S. cities over the past year, American Legion and VA staff members help veterans enroll in VA health care, schedule medical appointments, file disability or pension benefits claims, and get information on GI Bill education benefits. The VBCs are part of the Legion’s nationwide program to improve VA health care and assist veterans in securing the benefits they earned through service.
To date, the Legion has helped veterans recover well over $1 million in retroactive benefits.
Rainey Hardin, of Memphis, walked into the VBC with doubt and little understanding of the process. An hour later, he walked out with confidence, newfound knowledge and an armful of helpful brochures.
“The time we spent in today’s discussion has been more helpful than a year of me trying to send paperwork back and forth, trying to get to the right people,” said Hardin, who served in the Gulf War as a Marine.
He credits the Legion and VA staffers for their attention and assistance. “It’s amazing that just a little leadership, as it relates to this, will make a world of difference,” he said.
The VBC runs from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. today and Thursday at the Whitehaven Community Center in Memphis, 4318 Graceland Drive.
- Veterans Healthcare