Remarkable Outcomes for North Carolinians
Lonnie, a former U.S. Army Drill Sergeant, had been working with one of my constituent advocates for years on issues with the VA. After being diagnosed with a terminal illness, Lonnie thought he would never accomplish his lifelong goal – becoming a Marine. While Lonnie loved training recruits for the Army, he always felt the Marines “didn’t play around.” After hearing his story, my staff contacted the Marines at Parris Island to set up a two-day, behind-the-scenes visit to the infamous Marine training facility. Working with the Greensboro Rotary Club and the non-profit Angel Flight, Lonnie was able to fly down to Parris Island to experience the training program first-hand. Lonnie was even awarded the Tan Belt in the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program. Thanks to the hard work and dedication of dozens of people, including my staff, this veteran was able to serve his country once again.
Lonnie (third from the left) pictured returning from Parris Island.
Lonnie on the flight returning from Parris Island.
Phil, a 96-year-old WWII Purple Heart veteran, contacted my office in need of a VA pension with aid and attendance benefits and assistance with a service-connected disability claim. Phil and his family had previously been unsuccessful in getting the claims resolved with the VA. My staff immediately went to work, obtaining military records to be used in support of his claim. My staff then contacted the VA and were successful in scheduling an expedited exam for Phil.
Following the exam, the VA gave Phil a favorable decision for his pension claim with aid and attendance, awarding him over $18,000 in back pay. Due to Phil’s age and health, my staff also requested that he be able to utilize the VA Choice program to receive care quickly and locally. The VA approved our request, and he soon began care with local health care providers.
Jane reached out to my office in dire need of assistance after receiving a 30-day eviction notice. She had applied for Social Security Disability two years prior, and the claim was still pending review with no resolution in sight. My office contacted the Social Security Administration on her behalf, and within two weeks, her claim was finalized. Jane then received retroactive disability benefits, saving her from eviction.
