Letters: VA officials did outstanding work

My sincere thanks to the personnel of the Dorn VA Medical Center and the VA regional office in Columbia for helping us secure a disability pension for a 91-year-old D-Day veteran. Yes, it took time, research and a lot of patience, but we did it.

The Navy veteran, who had completed only sixth grade and was unable to read or write, had fallen through the cracks: He never filed for disability despite a complete nervous breakdown and injuries sustained in combat. Over the years, the VA had provided excellent care, since he was always eligible due to combat service and low income.

Special thanks to Dorn outreach coordinator Pedro Jenkins and field office supervisor Perry Williams, who got things moving within one day of contact, resulting in an old-age, low-income pension within two months. Mr. Williams kept tabs on the evaluation process, which resulted in the 100 percent disability pension recently awarded. Thanks also to Ralph Hammett of the regional office, who assisted with vital record research.

To these gentleman and the supporting clinical and administrative staff, I extend the traditional Navy “Well done!”

This story was originally published April 17, 2016 at 6:16 PM with the headline "Letters: VA officials did outstanding work."