Family fights for VA benefits after World War II veteran's death. You have got to be kidding me.

CSM Michael Lynch — Fri, 12 Jun 2015 10:13:14 -0400

The lunacy continues. The VA is unbelievable, now they don't want to pay his estate money that they approved for him because he has since passed away. This agency needs to be held accountable NOW, this is just one more atrocity that his family shouldn't even need to be concerned with right now.

I hope his lawyer drags the VA through hell and back to make this right. RIP Warrior and Thank you for your service. Salutes

VA, get a clue.

Family fights for VA benefits after World War II veteran's death

Even in death, World War II veteran Joseph DeSario is tussling with Veterans Affairs over benefits the agency has already determined are rightfully his.

Response by PO3 Steven Sherrill made Jun 12 at 2015 10:29 AM

PO3 Steven Sherrill — Fri, 12 Jun 2015 10:29:53 -0400

I think I just threw up a little.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jun 12 at 2015 1:34 PM

PO1 John Miller — Fri, 12 Jun 2015 13:34:34 -0400

Delay until the veteran dies, then deny. That's the VA way!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 12 at 2015 1:36 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 12 Jun 2015 13:36:46 -0400

The law is very clear regarding the disposition of accrued benefits to beneficiaries of in case of death of a veteran. Are the daughters executors/administrators of their father's estate? The article doesn't clearly state it. However one could guess perhaps there was some discussion on estate planning in the event their father should pass away.

Now, that's not to say the daughters can't get reimbursed to cover the cost of burial/funeral expenses, outstanding medical or other bills. The daughters must file for reimbursement, it's a process.

Should the laws be changed in order to be caught up with the times? I think their should be some revisions from time to time as situation dictates.

Keep in mind as you get older, the VA has tricks up their sleeve to slow down your benefits. There have been cases where much older veterans in assisted care homes/veterans home have had their benefits stopped because the VA has deemed you incompetent to manage your finances because of your age. In some cases, the veteran has died before an fiduciary could be established and its not an easy process. The VA requires 45 days at minimum to establish a meeting with you to meet the criteria to be assigned as a fiduciary. The VA can withhold benefits pend the possible need for a fiduciary, in some cases its too late.

There's no incentive for the VA to process things quickly. The Veterans Benefits Administration, must follow the rules set by Congress and the courts when administering programs and paying benefits, that process isn't consistent though.

So it seems they hope you die before they get around to paying anything.

Response by SGT Edward Thomas made Jun 12 at 2015 1:44 PM

SGT Edward Thomas — Fri, 12 Jun 2015 13:44:20 -0400

Truly a WTF moment here. That sounds about like the VA.