Mar 28 2009
Wounded Vet Billed for Medical Treatment
What the hell is wrong with the VA? Didn’t they get the memo?
Wounded veteran, Erik Roberts, has had 13 surgeries to try and save his leg. He was wounded in Iraq while serving his country in the 101st Airborne Division. After his last surgery this hero was surprised to receive a bill from the VA for $3,000 for his last operation.
“I just thought it was bull—- that I’m getting billed for being wounded in Iraq doing my job. I always put the mission first, and now that I was wounded in Iraq, they’re sending me bills,” he said.
“I put my life on the line and I was wounded in combat, and I came back and they’re not going to take care of my medical bills?” (Source: CNN)
Sergeant Roberts had his surgery done outside the VA. It was serious and an emergency. It shouldn’t matter where it is done, we have an obligation to care for our veterans. Especially when they have been wounded serving our country.
“I will always be proud I served my country, and proud that I was able to wear that flag on my shoulder,” he said. “I would defend this country against anyone, and I’m proud to wear that uniform.”
This issue needs to be addressed by our government and this administration. No veteran should be turned away for care, regardless of where it is administered. And we as a nation have an obligation to foot the bill. No questions asked.
Fortunately Sergeant Roberts’ Senator was able to correct this injustice. His surgery is being covered. But it makes you wonder why he had to go all the way to Congress to get the VA to do the right thing.
Best wishes on a speedy recovery soldier.
