News-Info-Alerts

Re: VA Hosting Seminar for Ex-POWs

From: POW-MIA InterNetwork

Date: May 03, 2003

"VA to host seminar for former prisoners of war


By MARAH BLOCK, Staff Writer May 02, 2003


NEWINGTON -- Representatives from the Hartford VA Regional Office and the VA Connecticut Medical System will an host an informational seminar next week to discuss benefits available to former prisoners of war.

The meeting comes as part of the regional office’s attempts to reach over 200 Connecticut veterans who receive less than 50 percent compensation for their service-connected disability.

The regional office joined forces with retired Lt. Col. Edward Giering, commander of the Connecticut branch of American Ex-POWs, to develop the seminar.

Former prisoners of war will have an opportunity to learn more about compensation, presumptive disabilities, death and medical benefits.
Representatives will entertain questions and assist attendees in filing claims.

"The general goal is to get every former prisoner of war in Connecticut to at least be aware of what they’re entitled to and to have us look into it to make sure they get what they’re entitled to," said Dan Fitzgerald, FPOW coordinator at the Hartford VA Regional Office.

Fitzgerald also hopes the seminar will motivate a population of sometimes hesitant World War II veterans to take advantage of available benefits.

"It’s an opportunity for us to encourage them to file claims," he said.

According to Fitzgerald, statistics released by the Department of Veterans Affairs in January 2002 show that only one-third of surviving prisoners of war receive compensation for medical problems sustained during their time in captivity. Forty-two percent of that group receives less than 50 percent compensation.

"Forty-two percent are not receiving a lot of money," he explained.

The seminar will be Wednesday in the Red, White and Blue Rooms of the VA Connecticut Health-care System’s Newington location, 555 Willard Ave. Call(860) 240-3300, ext. 2308 for information or to register for the event.

Marah Block can be reached at mblock@newbritainherald.-com or by calling (860) 225-4601, ext. 221.

©The Herald 2003 "