VA is looking for former POWs not currently using VA benefits to contact the VA

Since 10-26-03

USSVI POC BROADCAST No. 03-040 excerpt
 

24 Sept. 2003

Former Prisoners Of War

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is asking former prisoners of war not currently using VA benefits to contact the VA to find out if they may be eligible for disability compensation and other services.

The VA estimates there could be as many as 11,000 POWs for whom it does not have an address, and is asking former POWs not receiving benefits who did not receive a VA letter recently to call the department at 1-800-827-1000.

Secretary of Veterans Affairs Anthony J. Principi said VA has expanded policies to cover increasing numbers of former POWs as new illnesses have been found related to captivity.

The most recent expansion of VA benefits for former POWs was a July regulation that added cirrhosis of the liver to the list of diseases to which entitlement to disability compensation is presumed in former POWs.

Similar policies making it easier for former POWs to obtain compensation have been enacted for POWs  detained for 30 days or more who develop specific illnesses.

John Dudas

Sturgeon Base Commander, USSVI
THE VETERANS AFFAIRS COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN