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Re: Ex-POWs Are Not Getting Benefits
From: POW-MIA InterNetwork
Date: September 20, 2003
"WASHINGTON IN BRIEF
VA Says Some Ex-POWs Are Not Getting Benefits
The Department of Veterans Affairs wants former prisoners of war who are not getting disability compensation, health care and other benefits to contact the department.
The agency said an estimated 11,000 former POWs are not getting benefits to which they are entitled. The VA issued the plea in conjunction with National POW-MIA Recognition Day.
VA Secretary Anthony J. Principi said more ex-POWs are eligible for benefits as new illnesses are determined to be related to their captivity. In July, the VA said it would provide benefits to former POWs with cirrhosis of the liver.
Former POWs are eligible for VA medical care and are exempt from health care co-payments. Free dental treatment is available if their captivity lasted more than 90 days.
The VA said more than 23,000 former POWs receive compensation. The agency sent a letter to 4,700 more to tell them that they were entitled to benefits.
The VA said it is hard to find many former POWs because they served during World War II, before Social Security numbers were used as military service numbers.
The VA is asking anyone who knows of former POWs who are not enrolled for benefits or who did not receive a letter to call 1-800-827-1000.
© 2003 The Washington Post Company"
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