Ailing Iowa Veteran Gets 100% SCD After Denials

Sometimes, it’s not what you know, but who you know, says the veteran service officers with the Vietnam Veterans of America’s Iowa State Council. 

VVA’s Utah State Council President Dennis Howland — originally from Iowa — called the VSOs to for help for a nephew. The nephew successfully accessed benefits to treat his hypertension, then gave the VSOs another lead. 

A veteran neighbor was in poor health and had previously been turned down by the VA in 2015 on health claims for diabetes, bilateral upper and lower peripheral neuropathy, and ischemic heart disease due to Agent Orange exposure. 

The VA requested proof of service in Vietnam, even though his DD214 clearly said “Vietnam” under foreign duty. The veteran attempted to address the in 2016, but received a letter saying his response was untimely and was denied. He let the matter drop. 

VSOs were surprised by the denial when they took the case in 2022. In addition to the DD214, the veteran’s records showed proof of numerous recognitions including a Bronze Star for Meritorious Achievement in ground operations and an Air Medal — more than enough to establish service and evidence that he was presumptive for exposure to Agent Orange. 

Gathering the paperwork, Iowa VSOs submitted a supplemental appeal for diabetes, bilateral upper and lower peripheral neuropathy, ischemic heart disease, and hypertension. They filed a 526EZ form for new issues including Parkinson’s disease and bladder and kidney cancer.

By June 2023, the veteran was approved for multiple issues, achieving a 100% combined service-connected disability. He received more than $20,000 in back pay and now gets $4,384.68 in compensation monthly. 

The case doesn’t end there, however. VSOs are now filing additional appeals to connect the veteran’s bilateral upper and lower peripheral neuropathy to diabetes, as well as access retroactive payments to the time of the original denial. 

Contact a VVA Veteran Service Officer to assist with your claim in states that have a benefits program here, or search for a VSO from another organization through the VA’s website in states where we do not. Enter your ZIP code or city and state, and you’ll see which VSOs serve your area.