CTV News Canada
Michael Shulman
Published Monday, July 27, 2015
"I did a job the government asked me to do (and) I did it to the best of my ability. I was injured during that but now I lack the ability to have the privilege of protecting my investment (and) my house," said Arnsten.
April 17, 2002 is a date that continues to haunt Shaun Arnsten.
The Afghanistan war veteran was part of the 3rd Battalion Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry Battle Group that lost four Canadian comrades and saw eight others injured in friendly fire at the hands of an American F-16 fighter jet near Kandahar.
"I was about 150 metres from the point of impact where the bomb was," Arnsten told CTV News.
In 2003, Arnsten, 38, was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, and a year later he received a medical discharge.
"I'm a young guy -- a soldier -- I went to war, I saw horrible things, I came back (and) I had a reaction to it," Arnsten said.
But the repercussions of his PTSD have affected his life back at home in Cochrane, Alta., as well.
Earlier this month, Arnsten says that he was rejected for mortgage disability insurance by Sun Life Financial because of his condition.
The veteran suffered a severe concussion in a motorcycle accident in April, which he says is preventing him from returning to his work as a heavy equipment operator.
read more here
While not a veteran, I too was dealt with incredibly shamefully by sun life. Shaun, you may want to try contacting your local MP and also, all insurance companies have an ombudsman who deals with complaints . Another thing to try-I am sorry , I don't know if this is true in Alberta, but here in Ontario you can get 30 min. free advice from a lawyer who may be able to advise you on how to proceed. Dealing with a war vet this way is shameful, but I do know that sun life dealt with me incredibly badly. I will pray for you every day,my friend-DO NOT GIVE UP! The more people know about this, I think the better chance you have on changing this disgusting ruling.
ReplyDeleteAll the best-Justice Wright
Thank you very much for the comment. It is always wonderful when folks reach out to offer encouragement to strangers. Blessing!
ReplyDelete