Success Story

LAFLA helped a struggling Vietnam War veteran

An honorably discharged veteran of the U.S. Army and of the Vietnam War, “Ben” never thought his life would end up being such a struggle. He would get married; have a couple a kids and a maybe throw a Sunday BBQ every now and again, he thought to himself. However, the ravages of war and an economy that preferred not to include the likes of men like Ben, eventually took its toll on him.

Struggling to survive, Ben traveled from place to place looking to put a roof over his head and a meal in his belly. Ben’s quest for food and shelter, however, was a daily struggle. Ben’s monthly general relief of $212.00 was barely enough to get by.

Moving from shelter to shelter, Ben was told of the work that LAFLA’s Bill Smith Homeless Veterans Project (BSHVP) has performed on behalf of thousands of veterans in Los Angeles. Ben thought to himself, “what the hell, I have absolutely nothing to lose,” so he placed a call to the BSHVP and requested help.

BSHVP staff spoke with Ben and went right to work. They obtained military records and filed a claim for benefits with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). BSHVP staff argued that Ben’s present physical limitations, coupled with his homelessness and inability to work entitled him to a VA pension. After working with staff from the VA Regional Office, the VA granted Ben’s claim for pension and paid him nearly $15,000 in retroactive benefits. In addition to Ben’s retroactive award, Ben will receive medial care, housing assistance and nearly $950.00 a month is additional, pension benefits.

When Ben learned of his award, he wept and then yelled, “I going to buy me a steak dinner!” Ben has been reunited with his estranged son and now lives in his very own duplex-house.

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