Vietnam Veteran declared dead by VA after identity thief died

VA letter tells veteran he's dead
WCSC News 5
Posted: Aug 15, 2014

Charles Hubbard said the problem goes back to when his identity was stolen in California by a man who died. (Source: KVUE/CNN)

AUSTIN, TX (KVUE/CNN) - A Vietnam veteran received a letter from the Department of Veteran Affairs informing him he was dead, and demanding his family pay back thousands of dollars in benefits.

"I died Jan. 15 of this year," said very much alive Charles Hubbard.

The Navy veteran who served during the Vietnam War said he learned about his untimely demise in the letter that also said his family had to pay back money received after his death.

"Our records show the deceased was not entitled to benefits in the amount of $5,270 and 0 cents. The VA said I was deceased, and they closed my checking account when the bank found out," Hubbard said.

Hubbard suspects the problem started after a man stole his identity and used it to get treatment at a California hospital.

The man who stole his identity then passed away.
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