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The federal government is reportedly in talks to rectify a $165 million mistake at Veterans Affairs, affecting the benefits of over 250,000 former service members – many of them elderly.
Veterans Affairs was smacked with five separate lawsuits in 2019, all claiming that the agency miscalculated disability awards and pensions. The lawsuits were consolidated and Class Members certified by a federal judge on Dec. 23, 2020.
Veterans Affairs Makes Multi-Million Dollar Error, Fails to Notify
The bureaucratic error came to light in 2018, after a former veteran’s ombudsman blew the whistle. The agency had allegedly miscalculated benefits starting in 2002. While the error was identified and fixed, Veterans Affairs failed to contact those affected by the resulting reduction in benefits and failed to reimburse them.
In 2019, a CBC News investigation discovered federal documents that explained how the error occurred – and how the bureaucracy hid it from veterans. This revelation led to the class action lawsuits and, now, exploratory talks with the federal government to reimburse short-changed veterans.
Veterans Affairs Minister Says Compensation Process Well Underway
A spokesperson for the department told CBC News that, while not complete, the process of compensating veterans affected by the error is well underway. Over 100,000 veterans and their survivors have received more than $77.3 million, according to CBC News.
Most of those who have received compensation are surviving veterans, the spokesperson told CBC News.
In addition, the spokesperson touted an advertising campaign being developed by Veterans Affairs to help notify those who may be able to take part in this compensation program.
Veterans File Class Action Lawsuits For Correct Pensions And Benefits
Former members of the Armed Forces have filed a number of legal actions over irregularities in their pensions and other retirement benefits.
In one class action lawsuit that was certified by a federal court, a veteran who attempted to take a lump sum pension payout claimed that his benefits were reduced on two occasions without any explanation. Another veteran, who served in special operations, alleged that he was shorted disability benefits.
In addition to compensation, plaintiffs in the Veterans Affairs class action lawsuit believe there should be some accountability and further investigation into how the error was hidden from the public for nearly a decade.
Did you serve in the Armed Forces? Are you concerned about how your pension or retirement benefits were calculated by Veterans Affairs? Tell us about your experience in the comment section below!
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12 thoughts onFederal Government to Settle Lawsuits Filed Over Veterans Affairs’ $165M Mistake
My husband died battling over his disability pention, he had PSTD. Tried suicide once. his brother had jumped a bridge after coming home from Vietnam and could not handle life. My husband was supposed to meet him that day but had a delay from the service let him out.
He served oversea italy, Greece and spain. Later signed up for coastguard. Had 10 percent disability. Fought it but the service had a fire and all records lost in a fire. We got burned.
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I am my daddy’s Executrix of his will/estate. He passed away August 9, 2020. He served almost 22 years in the Air Force. How may I go about joining this lawsuit to collect and receive compensation monies owed to him or now, myself as his only beneficiary and finding out if he indeed was short changed in his disability awards and pension checks? We just trusted the Federal Government was doing right by him so I/he never questioned his monies he was receiving.
My mother received Veterans pension after her spouse died. She herself passed away in June 2016. As her executor would her estate be entitled to sny compensation.
I have had several claims with VAC and would like my file reviewed.
I would like to have my file reviewed. My married last name is Estey from 1985 to date. I joined the military service in 1975-20 years. Then join the Reservers in408 SQN Edmonton Alberta . Now I am retired from both.
Bday 01/31/1954.
For your considerate and action
Maiden name Sally Ann McKay. I was married early and divorced under the name of Sullivan. Can’t remember the dates though.
For any questions require contact information aandskennel @live.ca
Thanks again
I served in the Army since 1977 and retired in 2014. Can I get a review of my file
I was retired in june 2001 due to injuries sustained in the 1989 Wainwright Alaska C130 crash. How can I know that I am getting the proper disability pension?
I’ve been with VAC since 2003
I was/am Executor for my Brother who passed in 2012. How can I join this lawsuit to collect monies owed for Beneficiaries’?
My Dad died in 2018, was in the Air Force..if his pension was calculated wrong…how can it be fixed?