Veterans Affairs backlog leaves half a million waiting for benefits

Massive Veterans Affairs backlog leaves half a million waiting for benefits
July 10, 2012
by David Martin
CBS News

(CBS News) MANASSAS, Va. - It's Iraq, 2003, and a tragedy is about to happen. A photo shows a marine preparing to pull the trigger on a rocket-propelled grenade launcher. When he did, it blew up. After the smoke cleared two marines lay dead and Aaron Helstrom was riddled with shrapnel.

"I've got a fused spine that's causing me pain every day," Helstrom said.

He returned to active duty, served a tour in Afghanistan, and went on to become a master sergeant. Several months before he finally retired, Helstrom submitted a disability claim to the Department of Veterans Affairs, or VA.

After War: Eye on Veterans Affairs

It lists a total of 65 conditions ranging from his shrapnel wounds to PTSD which would qualify him for $2,800 a month in disability pay.

"They say at the time of your retirement or when you get out you will start receiving your compensation claim," Helstrom said. "That's not the case."
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