Question for anyone! VA benefits...Back Dating

[MacroGuru]

Alright,

Just a quick question, my father in law served in nam, was shot twice, one in each hip, crawled for 150 yards burning his arms on the barrell of his rifle.

He was then pulled through the rice paddies to get to the pick up.

Well, he was also given blood transfusions out on the field and in the hospital. Just recently they found out he has a rare form of Hepatits, which he either received being pulled through the mud or through the transfusions they haven't been able to pinpoint where.

Anyways, his liver is failing him, he is on the transplant list and he also found out he was diagnosed with PTSD back in the 70's and was entitled to his benefits which they failed to mention to him. He is never one to mooch or anything else, but they are looking at an amazing increase in medical costs, even though they have the VA, he has chosen to not go there due to the poor treatment that has happened to him in the past up in SLC.

They have a question, if he was entitled to the benefits back then, and the military never paid out like they were supposed to, is he entitled to said benefits and having them back dated?

[Atocep]

Originally Posted by MacroGuru

Alright,

Just a quick question, my father in law served in nam, was shot twice, one in each hip, crawled for 150 yards burning his arms on the barrell of his rifle.

He was then pulled through the rice paddies to get to the pick up.

Well, he was also given blood transfusions out on the field and in the hospital. Just recently they found out he has a rare form of Hepatits, which he either received being pulled through the mud or through the transfusions they haven't been able to pinpoint where.

Anyways, his liver is failing him, he is on the transplant list and he also found out he was diagnosed with PTSD back in the 70's and was entitled to his benefits which they failed to mention to him. He is never one to mooch or anything else, but they are looking at an amazing increase in medical costs, even though they have the VA, he has chosen to not go there due to the poor treatment that has happened to him in the past up in SLC.

They have a question, if he was entitled to the benefits back then, and the military never paid out like they were supposed to, is he entitled to said benefits and having them back dated?

The VA has to back date any claims filed within 12 months of leaving service. Since your father was entitled to the benefits, but never received them, its going to be tricky.

My suggestion would be to talk with a claims lawyer or speak with JAG at any military installation. They should be able to help you out. Its something he could probably get, but he's going to have to fight for it.

[stevew]

I know my father in law finally got disability from Nam related causes, but it took a long time. A good veterans group should be able to point him in the right direction.