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Indiana Veterans Waiting Long Periods of Time For Disability Benefits Approval

December 4, 2013

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) oversees the distribution of benefits for veterans who are left unable to work due to medical conditions resulting from military service. The Indiana Veterans Disability Lawyers with the law firm of Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin point out the process of applying and being approved for these benefits can be extremely lengthy though.

Some claims for veterans’ disability benefits in Indiana are taking several years for a decision to be reached. In many cases, the veterans are dying before their claims are processed. An article from WISHTV 8 News told the story of a Vietnam veteran who battled with the VA for years over his disability claim, only to be approved the day he passed.

The veteran had served in the U.S Army for more than 20 years, with a majority of his time spent as a combat drill sergeant. During the Vietnam War, he was exposed to highly toxic defoliant, Agent Orange.

The man later suffered eight strokes and developed lung cancer as a result of the exposure, leaving him unable to work and forced to apply for disability benefits. He was denied for years, and appealed the decision repeatedly. Finally, he received retroactive benefits worth hundreds of thousands of dollars; however, the decision came the day the victim died.

Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin’s team of Indiana Personal Injury Lawyers recognizes the complexities of the veterans’ disability approval process. The firm is here to help anyone considering applying for such assistance.

Reach out to a Terre Haute Personal Injury Attorney Today

The financial burden that often comes with a serious injury can be too much for many people to bear. Unexpected medical debt, damaged personal property, and the sudden loss of income can impact the budgets of most families. The good news is that a successful injury claim could help reduce that financial strain after a serious accident. Get in touch with a Terre Haute personal injury lawyer with Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin to learn more.

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