help with VA benefits

[stevew]

My father in law almost died earlier this year. In short, he was low on oxygen, they rushed him to ther hospital. He spent 9 days under in a coma. He's okay now. But the VA is not wanting to pick up the bill for his stay. I'm fairly cerain the procedure is to go to the nearest faciliy if it is an emergency. This is like 60K, the VA wants to pay3K and that was only after appeal. I'm guessing the next step is to start writing congressmen/senators? Any thoughts?

[Lathum]

I think we have an FOFCer who works with VA affairs, duckman maybe?

[stevew]

From what I understand if he would have gone directly to the VA, they'd have picked up the check. But he was in really bad shape. Driving to knoxville(I think the nearest) from kingsport wasn't an option since he was so bad off. And I don't think they transfer comatose patients.

[chesapeake]

Sorry to hear about your father-in-law.

I'd recommend calling the closest local office of your most senior federal representative or senator. I think Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen is that person for South Beach. You are more likely to get an experienced caseworker in the office of a more senior elected official.

Ask for the person that handles VA casework and tell him/her your story. They should be able to give you some guidance as to what your options may be. S/he will probably also ask for a letter from your FIL (or whomever has his power of attorney) officially asking for assistance. A Member has to have that before an agency can share any personal information on a case. If her office isn't responsive, then go to the Senate offices.

I hope it works out. That is a pretty stiff bill.

[stevew]

I think Rick Boucher is still their congressperson. They live in SW VA near Abington/Bristol

[stevew]

I live in hermitage PA actually. Dahlkemper is a 1 termer as our rep. Maybe I should call Specter's office instead? Or stick with their representatives?

[chesapeake]

I would go with Senator Casey in this situation Staff tends to look for new work as soon as their boss loses, so it wouldn't surprise me if SnArlen's best folks are already gone. Dahlkemper is in a tough race, and you want to be sure that whoever is handing you case is still working in January.

[duckman]

Steve,

As a former state vet rep, I would suggest a few things:

1. Contact a service organization (VFW, DVA, AL, MOPH, state veteran's department, etc.) to see if their service officers can give you any information. A lot of them are very knowledgeable about the VA bylaws. They're free and your father-in-law does not have to be a member to use them.

2. Contact your senator and ask them to perform a congressional investigation about your father-in-law's claim. Explain his situation in a letter as well as in person. They'll use your father-in-law and other veterans as political footballs, but they also can help.

3. Make a FOIA request regarding the decision including any rationale for it. Provide that information to your senator.