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Peace at any cost is a prelude to war!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Outrage Spurs American
Legion Lawsuit Against VA
WASHINGTON (Oct. 12, 1999) - Outraged over an unannounced decision to
discontinue helping veterans to file their benefits claims, attorneys
representing The American Legion today filed a lawsuit against the Department
of Veterans Affairs. The suit was filed in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the
Federal Circuit.
In response to a recent ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans
Claims (Morton v. West), the Veterans Benefits Administration ordered VA
regional offices, in writing, to no longer help veterans develop their
requests for disability compensation at the outset of the claims process. The
order instead called for the withholding of assistance until the VA would
find the claim "well-grounded." The order reversed long-standing VA policy to
assist claimants, according to The American Legion's brief.
The American Legion petitioned the court to block the order because it would
violate federal statute, judicial precedent, and VA regulations requiring the
department to assist veterans. VA regulations also require public notice or
comment on major policy shifts, argued the 2.7-million member American
Legion, the nation's largest veterans organization.
"It's immoral to make the claims process more difficult," American Legion
National Commander Al Lance, attorney general of Idaho said. "It is
unconscionable to do it by deceitfully eviscerating existing law. This
directive puts the entire financial and procedural burden on the veteran,
increasing the probability that solid claims will be rejected on a
technicality. That is a disgraceful way to treat the defenders of freedom,
many of whom come to the VA wearing the irrevocable wounds of battle."
Chartered by Congress on Sept. 19, 1919, The American Legion's 17,500 service
officers represent tens of thousands of claimants a year before the VA.
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