The Struggle for Death Benefits: A Battle Between Veterans’ Families and the VA
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is tasked with providing support to those who have served in the military, including financial assistance to their families after a veteran’s death. However, for many families of veterans who die by suicide, this support has been anything but straightforward. These families often find themselves in a prolonged battle with the VA to secure death benefits that they believe are rightfully theirs. This struggle highlights not only the bureaucratic hurdles within the VA but also the emotional toll it takes on grieving loved ones.
The Burden of Proof
One of the primary challenges faced by families seeking death benefits is the requirement to provide medical documentation linking the veteran’s suicide to their service. The VA typically requires proof that the veteran had a mental health condition directly related to their military service. For many, this is an insurmountable barrier, as the veterans may never have sought professional help or received a formal diagnosis.
Take the case of James Goulding, a Marine Corps veteran who died by suicide 40 years after his deployment in Vietnam. His wife, Linda, struggled for nearly a decade to get the VA to recognize her husband’s service-related mental health issues. Despite her efforts, the VA initially denied her claim because James had never sought treatment for PTSD. It wasn’t until a judge ruled in her favor that she was able to receive the benefits she believed were owed to her.
This experience is not unique. A CNN investigation revealed that hundreds of families of veterans who died by suicide have faced similar denials from the VA. In some cases, even when a veteran was diagnosed with PTSD, their families were still denied benefits. This inconsistency raises serious questions about the VA’s policies and procedures.
The Emotional Toll on Families
For many families, the fight for benefits is not just about money; it’s about recognition and closure. Emily Evans, a widow whose husband Michael died by suicide, described the emotional impact of the VA’s denial. She believes her husband’s suicide was directly linked to his service in the Army, yet the VA denied her claim based on factors like marital problems and a lack of documented evidence of suicidal ideation.
Emily’s story is echoed by other families who have fought for years to get the VA to acknowledge the connection between their loved one’s service and their death. These families often feel abandoned by an agency that is supposed to support them. The process of appealing a denial can be both time-consuming and emotionally draining, with many families spending over five years navigating the system.
The Bureaucratic Maze
Another significant challenge is the complexity of the VA’s systems. The agency relies on more than 200 information systems to process claims and store records, making it difficult for families to access the necessary documentation. This lack of a centralized system can lead to delays and confusion, further complicating the already challenging process.
Hali Church, another widow, shared her experience of trying to navigate the VA’s bureaucracy following her husband Clyde’s death. Despite his documented mental health struggles, the VA denied her claim because there was no evidence linking his service to his suicide. Hali expressed frustration with the process, noting that she was left to gather medical records and complete paperwork while also caring for their young child.
The Need for Reform
Experts and advocates argue that the VA needs to do more to support families of veterans who die by suicide. They suggest that the agency should consider alternative ways to determine eligibility for benefits, especially when veterans have not sought treatment or received a formal diagnosis. Some propose that the VA should place greater emphasis on the veteran’s service history and the nature of their mental health struggles rather than solely relying on medical documentation.
Dr. Lynda Davis, the chief veterans experience officer at the VA, acknowledged the need for improvement in the agency’s programs for survivors. She emphasized the importance of providing better support and a more seamless experience for families during their time of grief.
However, many families feel that these changes are not happening fast enough. They want the VA to take responsibility for its role in denying benefits and to recognize the sacrifices made by veterans and their families.
Conclusion
The struggle for death benefits by families of veterans who die by suicide is a complex issue that involves not only bureaucratic challenges but also deep emotional and psychological impacts. While the VA has made suicide prevention a top priority, the current system often leaves families in limbo, unable to access the support they desperately need. As the stories of Linda Goulding, Emily Evans, and Hali Church illustrate, the need for reform and greater empathy within the VA is more urgent than ever.
