Widow upset VA didn't know about husband's death

VA has since apologized to Teresa Strong

MIDDLEBURG, Fla. – Two weeks ago, Teresa Strong was shocked to find a letter in her stack of mail that was addressed to her husband, from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

“He is supposed to go in on the 31st, for an exam, a compensation and pension examination,” said Strong, of Middleburg. “(But) my husband has passed. He’s been deceased for almost seven months now.”

Strong’s late husband, Paul, served in the Navy for 20 years. He died in December after his second battle with brain cancer.

When he died, Strong learned Paul's claim with the VA had been lost.

“I said, ‘What would I have to do now?’ And they said I would have to take it upon myself to start a claim for myself,” Strong said.

So she pursued that. By going through the claims process, the VA should have been aware of Strong’s husband’s death. But the letter to him mentions an appointment to discuss his claim -- and a physical exam.

Strong said she plans on showing up to his appointment, with his ashes and documents in hand.

“I want to take that right there to Gainesville, where I have to go on Monday,” Strong said. “And the rest is up to them. They can examine him all they want.”

Strong had been trying since January to claim her husband’s benefits from the VA. Now, she wants answers.

Strong said receiving that letter made her feel as if the VA hadn't even acknowledged her husband's death.

“I feel like he deserves more than being forgotten,” she said.

VA officials on Wednesday responded to News4Jax, saying the reason the letter was sent is because it's a standard form they send out during that stage of the claims process.

Strong said they apologized, and the VA official who she spoke to agreed with her, saying they should change the way that they send the forms.


About the Author:

Corley Peel is a Texas native and Texas Tech graduate who covered big stories in Joplin, Missouri, Tulsa, Oklahoma and Jacksonville, Florida before returning to the Lone Star State. When not reporting, Corley enjoys hot yoga, Tech Football, and finding the best tacos in town.