North Carolina war veteran fights years-long battle for medical benefits

February 23, 2013 (Press-News.org) The Korean War battle that destroyed a North Carolina man's legs lasted a few days. His battle to obtain benefits through the Department of Veteran Affairs continues on, year after year, as he sits, wheelchair bound and in pain. He wonders if he will die before he sees a dime of compensation to which he is entitled.

The 81-year-old man's story is common among veterans; they serve their country at the cost of their lives and their limbs, and they and their families spend years trying to collect disability benefits rightfully due for their injuries and losses.

The retired marine's requests for Aid and Attendance benefits and a mobility stipend were denied in 2007. He immediately appealed the decision but his case has yet to be heard. He retains five decades of medical records and correspondence to back up his claims for disability but cannot get a hearing before the Board of Veteran's Appeals.

The Veterans Association knows there is a problem but fails to keep up with the demand for benefit claims. As more and more veterans age, their medical issues continue to grow, adding to the backlog of rightful claims. Many die before obtaining compensation and medical treatment that could, potentially, save their lives.

Benefits available to military veterans

There are many benefits available to those injured in the line of duty. Many who serve and suffer injuries in the military seek the help of a veterans' disability claims lawyer and may find they are entitled to compensation through other types of claims, such as:
- Social Security Disability
- Workers Compensation
- Personal injury
- Unemployability designations

Compensable conditions

A large variety of medical conditions may be traceable to service in the military. Often, symptoms of service-related injuries do not appear until years later, when documents proving the claims are hard to find. Common illnesses and diseases that plague veterans years after an accident or exposure may include the following:
- Cancer
- Diabetes
- Cardiac and vascular disorders
- Depression and anxiety
- Respiratory and gastrointestinal disorders
- Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome
- Personality changes and memory loss

Help is available for military veterans

If you suffer from a disability or illness through service in the military or wonder if your medical condition is related to injuries or exposure obtained in the line of duty, consult with an experienced disability attorney as you may be entitled to benefits.

Article provided by The Law Offices of Paul M. Goodson P.C.
Visit us at www.pgoodson.com