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Memory care unit he has been with is switching to a new medical care staff, primarily nurse practitioners, and needs all the paperwork for that area of his care re-signed. There is an error on the paperwork and single box is checked that he is not a veteran. He IS a veteran. This was an error on his original paperwork when he moved in 15 months ago that was supposed to have been corrected. The DON is insisting that I sign the uncorrected paperwork. I'm concerned that there could be repercussions that I am not aware of by doing that. He is currently on hospice and does not receive any veteran's benefits. Does anyone know how this could impact anything in the future? I don't know why they don't just correct the mistake and move on with it.

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Gather the proof that he is a veteran. Scan it (or take a digital pic of it) and email it to the DON and copy to admins informing them that you are happy to re-sign the paperwork as long as they correct the error.

Why isn't he receiving any veteran's benefits?

There are partiipants on this forum who are experienced with the VA.
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Reply to Geaton777
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I would not sign any document that is not accurate.
Bring proof that he is a Veteran. A copy of his DD214 or other discharge papers would probably be what they need.
If you do not have a DD214 you could get one and while you are at it I would check to see if he qualifies for any service connected benefits. It may surprise you! Contact your local Veterans Assistance Commission their services are free and they are there to help Veterans get the benefits they deserve.
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Reply to Grandma1954
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A veteran may have burial in a national cemetery, which doesn't cost anything (or anyway, not much if they've changed the rules). And a headstone and a dignified committal service in a committal shelter at the cemetery. So if I were you, I'd insist that they fix the error so you can get these benefits for him.

Call your county VA assistance group. Ours is at the county courthouse. They can advise what benefits your dad might be eligible for. They will even come to the house to get info for the paperwork and fill out some of it. A grateful nation honors its vets! Good luck in getting what your dad deserves.
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Reply to Fawnby
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TouchMatters 13 hours ago
Excellent advice / support. Thank you. Gena
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If it were me, I would not sign it just in case. Even though it may never matter, there is no way to know all the "issues" that could arise later. This is the time to have it corrected. Most of the time, there is even a statement on the paperwork saying when you sign, you are saying the information is correct. I wouldn't be concerned if it impacts anything later... I would politely insist the truth be represented... he probably would insist on it being correct if he were signing. Being a veteran is more than a box on a form and he deserves that designation to be sure he receives all he is due. As you have already seen... corrections do not always get made later, it is best to do it up front.
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Reply to KPinSC
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This looks like a lucky break for you. Definitely get this corrected! I don't know why they need you to update their change overs but now that it's there, get it fixed. As stated by Fawnby, he's probably entitled to a burial service and plot, unless he has other arrangements made? I don't know what they're making a big deal with it but if you must sign anything on his behalf, it's been said sign your name with the "as POA" behind it so you aren't held liable. It's putting a lot of extra pressure on you with him being on hospice, let them know that!
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Reply to JuliaH
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KPinSC 20 hours ago
The big deal probably is since they are having everyone sign the new paperwork, it means more work for the person trying to get the job done. They just want the easy way out because if it causes problems later for any of the residents, they probably feel it is no skin off their back.
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As it’s a paperwork form, I’d cross out the error, correct it, and initial the correction.
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Reply to MargaretMcKen
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See an attorney.
Call the VA and ask them how to proceed and/or attorney referral.

Yes, you DON'T want to end up being financially responsible for any of their errors, or any recognition your Dad may get being a veteran.

My friend (of 18 years) had to get a VA advocate to manage his case.
Calling and talking to whoever answers the phone was less than helpful. He told me to go to the VA website to get the information I called him to acquire. That was a few years ago. Still, you may want to get an 'assigned' advocate or case worker at the VA.

Gena / Touch Matters
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Reply to TouchMatters
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Agree with cimment to initial change. If under hospice, there is much that is provided..You can move forward to applying for benefits. Just letting you know, was advised 8 mos for response for VA application. And worth it to try. In our situation, my husband passed b4 approval.
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Reply to Memories42
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