Two Central Louisiana Vietnam War veterans have been denied benefits, but an advocacy group is fighting to change that.
Donald Ray, 62, and Offie Bridges, 67, have filed claims for benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs with help from the Louisiana Veterans Advocacy Group.
Ray, a Pineville resident, served in the U.S. Army from 1971-72 and filed for a non-service related pension about 10 months ago.
Generally, a veteran must have at least 90 days of active duty service, with at least one day during a wartime period to qualify for a VA pension, according to the Veterans Affairs website. He or she must also meet at least one other requirement, like being over 65 or totally and permanently disabled.
“If a veteran was in a combat zone, he is entitled to a pension,” Louisiana Veterans Advocacy Group founder Paul Labbe said. “(Ray) has no income.”
Ray has been without gas at his home in Pineville since February. He is disabled and has no transportation. His cousin and some strangers have helped him make ends meet when they could.
“He’s in a situation no veteran should be in,” Labbe said.
Lavelle Tullis, vice president and local representative of the advocacy group, expected the process to take about five months, but the first claim from June 20, 2014, was submitted on the wrong form.
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