VA Reportedly Slashed Veterans Benefits for WWII Soldier to $6 Per Month

A veteran of World War II and resident of Watervliet, NY, had his veterans benefits drastically cut by the Veterans Administration – from $300 to $6 per month – and he’s worried about his personal finances.

Joseph Teson, 89 years old, was part of D-Day during World War II. Although he faithfully served his country, Teson’s veterans benefits have been severely cut. The VA informed Teson that they cut his benefits due to a $3,000 overpayment.

“I don’t know how they did it, but they did it,” Teson told the Albany station Saturday. “I didn’t say nothing. I just let it go. Everybody else complained but me.”

Last year, the VA sent Teson a letter stating that his “entitlement to compensation and pension benefits had changed,” and that he had received a veterans benefits overpayment in the amount of $3,090.

“Since you are currently receiving VA benefits, we plan to withhold those benefits until the amount you were overpaid is recouped,” the VA said in a letter dated June 9, 2013, according to WNYT.

Although Teson’s daughter called the VA on his behalf, no one was able to tell her how or why the overpayment was issued. Both Teson and his daughter said that neither of them knew that he was receiving more in veterans benefits than he should have.

“They’re taking money from my father, and he deserves it,” said Teson’s son Michael. “He fought in the war for it. They’re giving him $6 per month. He can’t live on that.”

“We are presently looking into the specifics of Mr. Teson’s case and will be reaching out to him to clarify the details of his changes in benefits,” said VA spokeswoman Meagan Lutz. “Thank you for bringing this issue to our attention.” She added that she was not aware of any widespread system error that would have caused any change in Teson’s veterans benefits.

Establishing a Claim for Veteran’s Benefits through the Social Security Administration

To be entitled to service-connected benefits, a veteran must prove that his disability was the result of military service or medical treatment by the VA hospital and was not the result of his own willful misconduct.

Unlike many actual disabilities, disability ratings determined by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs are not permanent. If you think that an initial disability rating given to you by the VA is too low, there are steps you can take to appeal the decision and have it changed. Likewise, there is also a process in place to address the needs of disabled veterans whose disabilities have grown worse over time.

To talk about your veterans’ disability benefits, your current disability rating, or what our lawyers can accomplish for you contact us today for a free consultation. All veterans’ disability and benefits cases are handled on a contingent fee basis. We receive no attorneys’ fees unless we are able to get your rating and your veterans’ disability payments increased.

The Strom Law Firm Can Help with Social Security Benefits Claim for Disability, Retirement, or Veterans Benefits

Applying for Veterans Benefits can be complex.  However, we understand that you need your benefits and we will put our years of experience to work for you to ensure that you have the representation necessary to actively pursue your claim. The attorneys at the Strom Law Firm have experience with Veterans Benefits, Social Security Disability, and Social Security Insurance claims. We will be glad to discuss any questions you may have during our free, confidential consultation. Call the experienced attorneys at the Strom Law Firm at (803)252-4800.