It took three years and the aid of a congressman for Gulf War veteran Richard Vandervlis to receive federal benefits.
“Trying to pay a house payment and feed a family on $285 a month was certainly a challenge,” said Vandervlis, 48, of Lansdowne, whose benefits were bound by red tape between the Social Security Administration and Veterans Administration.
Vandervlis? efforts were the catalyst for legislation introduced by U.S. Rep. John Sarbanes, D-District 3, aimed at cutting through bureaucracy and speeding up benefit allotments to veterans who cannot work because of disabilities or injuries.
“Not only does this reduce the delay and frustration veterans experience in this process, but also reduce the stress caseworkers experience,” said Sarbanes, who represents parts of Anne Arundel, Baltimore and Howard counties as well as Baltimore City.
The Benefit Rating Acceleration for Veterans Entitlement Act allows veterans with 100 percent disability rating with the VA to bypass the same medical process at Social Security, which according to officials ties up many benefit allotments.
Sarbanes was accompanied by leaders of numerous veteran groups.
“There is no such word as ?ease? when it comes to collecting benefits,” said Richard Udoff, state commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. “The individual behind the desk is an obstacle.”
Sarbanes said congressmen from both political parties co-sponsored the bill, and he is optimistic it will find bipartisan approval.
Vandervlis, who initially was turned down by Social Security despite receiving benefits from the VA, had a heart attack and a condition that debilitates his spine, making him incapable of working.
He finally received his disability benefits June 7.
“I got enough coming in to make it through,” Vandervlis said.
