How can I explain adequately the desperation of a veteran’s efforts to file a claim, and get their claim processed expeditiously? I can’t. The problems are real and run deep.
I do not want my observations to look like a pity trip, but I feel the need to tell the story as seen through the eyes of a veteran that is mired in the process. My claim started in April of 2004, and as of March 2010 it is waiting to be presented as an appeal to the BVA. (Bureau of Veterans’ Affairs)
I thought we veterans could see the bureaucratic log jam broken up with the appointment of Eric K. Shinseki as Secretary of Veterans Affairs. This link is to his BIO, which is very impressive**. Just as impressive as his bio are his actions.
Shinseki decided to establish a service connection for Vietnam veterans with three specific illnesses based on the latest evidence of an association with the herbicide referred to Agent Orange. The illnesses affected by the recent decision are B-cell leukemias, such as hairy cell leukemia; Parkinson's disease, and ischemic heart disease and brings to 15 the number of presumed illnesses recognized by the Department of Veterans Affairs as being associated with Vietnam service.
Used in Vietnam to defoliate trees and remove concealment for the enemy, Agent Orange left a legacy of suffering and disability that continues to the present. Between January 1965 and April 1970, an estimated 2.6 million military personnel who served in Vietnam may have been exposed to sprayed Agent Orange.
In practical terms, veterans who served in Vietnam during the war and who have a "presumed" illness don't have to prove an association between their illnesses and their military service. This "presumption" simplifies and speeds up the application process for benefits.
"We must do better reviews of illnesses that may be connected to service, and we will," Shinseki said. "Veterans who endure health problems deserve timely decisions based on solid evidence."
Finally, relief from the years of VA stonewalling in getting a claim processed for something so obvious. Here is the release of the “Fast Track Process.” ***
Once this decision was made by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs the process started, but was suddenly put on hold. Why? And who can put the action of The Secretary of Veterans Affairs on hold? The President? Congress? I really don’t know so I will not make up a story that sounds good. I do have a personal opinion, but I will keep my opinion private.
During his confirmation hearing, it sounded like he had the support of Congress, and that Congress understood the need to support our Military that risk it all in service to our Country.
It would appear that freezing of the claims process had to come from the President or Congress. This is NOT good news for the veteran because we may see the process once again get buried into one of those committees to evaluate. Committee evaluation is a polite term for delay – a way to bury it while figuring out how to get out of the "costly" decision made by the secretary.
Our Country is better than this and supports our military just as our military has supported and defended our country, even at risk of their own lives.
Is our Military once again getting pencil whipped? Words of support followed with action based on budget.
