WWII vet goes to battle for his dad

WWII vet goes to battle for his dad

11:34 PM PDT on Wednesday, September 3, 2008

By JESSE JONES / KING 5 News

Video: Son of WWII vet goes to battle for his dad
When William Donovan left his home in Pennsylvania in 1942, he was sent to the South Pacific to join in some of the most violent battles in World War II.
“I remember him telling me about the hand to hand combat and the horrors of war,” said his son, Patrick. “He has three bronze medals, has a good conduct medal, so he's a well awarded veteran who really served his country well.”

William now suffers from dementia and stays in an adult care center in Edmonds. Patrick says the Veterans Administration is withholding the benefits his father desperately needs to stay there or at any other facility.

“Sixty-eight years later he's asking for a little bit of funds which have been granted to him, and the Veterans Administration can't see to it to pay it,” said Patrick.

Here's what happened: Patrick and his mother signed his father up for benefits last year because they were running out of money. In June, the VA said it would give William Donovan $1,800 a month. But the hoops the family had to jump through kept the money away.

“It makes me think there is some type of incompetence in the Veterans Administration,” said Patrick.

Patrick tried for months to get those benefits, knowing he couldn't afford to pay for his father's care.

“As of the 15th of August, the day before his birthday, all of their money has run out and I can't afford $3,200 a month to pay for his extended care facility on top of everything else I'm paying,” said Patrick.

Desperate for help, Patrick called us. The VA wouldn't discuss the case. But within two weeks, Patrick says, case workers came to his home. They've worked out their financial issues and his father is waiting for a bed at a facility in Port Orchard.

“It has been a very long road, shortened by you,” said Patrick. “Thank you… by your intercession you helped tremendously.”

Even with all of the assurances given to him, Patrick says he is still skeptical about the VA coming through for his father.

We will be watching this story very closely.

Just remember, if you are dealing with the VA, make sure you have all of your financial and medical information available. It can save you time and unnecessary headaches.

If you have a consumer concern, call Jesse Jones toll-free at 866-51-JESSE or e-mail him at getjesse@king5.com.

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