VA rules make it harder for helpers to help veterans

"Just in the last week there was a procedure change where I, as a service officer, cannot speak on behalf of veterans," he said. "Not just me, but service officers across the state. Because of a combination of things, I just felt I could no longer effectively serve veterans."

COUNTY VETERANS' OFFICER TO RESIGN
Curry Coastal Pilot - Brookings,OR,USA
Published: April 16, 2008

By Valiant Corley

Pilot staff writer


GOLD BEACH – Richard Lewis, the Curry County veterans affairs officer since last August, told the Curry County Board of Commissioners he was resigning at the end of April as he participated in a county budget workshop Tuesday.

Lewis said new rules adopted by the Veterans Administration made it difficult for him to do his job.

"Just recently, the VA has changed procedures," he said. "If you are not on a list of certified officers, you can't communicate with them. To get an answer now takes up at least half an hour."

He said for him to get the proper certification would require the county to send him to a week's class in South Carolina, at a cost of $4,000. Then he would have to pass a test and wait.

Lewis said the VA has not required certified officers to help local veterans until recently.

"I'm saddened," said Judi Anderson, an associate member of Vietnam Veterans of America. "He is very well liked and respected by all the veterans I know. He's really dedicated."

Lewis, an Air Force veteran of the Vietnam War who later served with the Air National Guard in Tennessee, replaced Frank Van Meter, who left last July to work for the state veterans affairs office.

"They're trying to do things for the vets but bumping their heads against the wall," said John Chegus who credited both Lewis and Van Meter with trying to help him get assistance from the VA, but failing. "Whether it be Frank or Rich, I've seen it before. It's not just the medical problem, it's the administrative problem. The people."

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