By Andy GERO

When the VA Wants Its Money Back

Taking any type of payment from the VA means that at any time it can ask for the money back. If that happens, you’re at risk of having all your benefits canceled until the debt is paid.

A veteran went through the process of the VA trying to collect money it said he owned. Fortunately, he kept a copy of every letter written and all the receipts. The copies were helpful to the attorney he had to hire.

One document was a letter he had sent to the VA saying he was in prison but needed the money to take care of his family. The VA kept the payments coming. Once he was out, the VA wanted all its money back. Multiple letters from the attorney were ignored until suddenly, without fanfare, the veteran received a waiver of the debt.

If you receive 100% disability when you’re ill and then the illness goes into remission or is cured, a problem could arise. The VA is supposed to ask for a follow-up medical exam to track progress, but often it doesn’t and the checks keep arriving. When the VA realizes its error it will demand the money back.

Another problem happens when a VA claim number is used to process one payment and a Social Security number is used to process an identical one.

If you get monetary benefits from the VA, keep track of all of it. If it asks for money back, get advice by going online to ww.va.gov/debtman or call (800) 827-0648.

Andy Gero is a life member of the American Legion Post 288 and the VFW Post 1614. He may be reached through the CV Weekly, (818) 248-2740 or write Crescenta Valley Weekly at 3800 La Crescenta Ave., Suite 101, La Crescenta, CA 91214.