Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

jwirr

(39,215 posts)
Tue Nov 11, 2014, 12:07 PM Nov 2014

My son-in-law is fighting with the VA regarding disability. They have been at this for years. He has

had at least 2 back surgeries, met with them many times, some agree he is totally disabled and others do not.

My question: Does it do any good to go to your congress person or the president. He is one of the ones left waiting for a decision.

6 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
My son-in-law is fighting with the VA regarding disability. They have been at this for years. He has (Original Post) jwirr Nov 2014 OP
My Guess Old Codger Nov 2014 #1
Al Franken and Amy Klobacher, Ryan Nolen. jwirr Nov 2014 #2
Our Senators Akaka and Inouye helped people mahina Nov 2014 #3
Friend of mine Old Codger Nov 2014 #6
Your SIL's Rep or Sen is best bet pinboy3niner Nov 2014 #4
Why I love DU chapter 67008 mahina Nov 2014 #5

mahina

(19,051 posts)
3. Our Senators Akaka and Inouye helped people
Tue Nov 11, 2014, 12:24 PM
Nov 2014

It doesn't hurt to try. They will probably have a staff member whose responsibilities include veterans affairs. When you write and call, find out who that person is and ask to talk with her, and ask if they can help and if they have any suggestions, and stay in touch. I hope so.

VA turned my Dad down too, its the de fault first response I think.

You're so lucky you have those Senators!

Best luck. Aloha.

 

Old Codger

(4,205 posts)
6. Friend of mine
Tue Nov 11, 2014, 06:20 PM
Nov 2014

A few years back finally called Wellstone and he got his settled pretty quick after that I would think Franken would be more than willing to jump in and help if possible

pinboy3niner

(53,339 posts)
4. Your SIL's Rep or Sen is best bet
Tue Nov 11, 2014, 12:26 PM
Nov 2014

If his Rep or one of his Sens is on the Veterans Affairs Committee, that Sen would be the one to go with as they oversee the VA.

Understand that this is ordinary constituent service, and unless the Sen or Rep is invested in your issue, he or she is just going to pass on your complaint to the DVA Secretary and ask for an answer to it.

Because it's a Congressional inquiry it will get a quick response, but it won't necessarily be helpful or solve anything. It's up to your SIL (hopefully with competent assistance from his claims rep) to frame the complaint in a way that focuses on where the VA has ignored evidence or otherwise acted egregiously in handling the claim.

Good luck!

Latest Discussions»Issue Forums»Veterans»My son-in-law is fighting...