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| VFW National Pre-Discharge Claims Representative Tom Parker was instrumental in getting justice for an ailing veteran. |
It took nearly five years, but Gene Smith (not his real name) finally received the compensation he deserved. Thanks to the ceaseless efforts of VFW service officers Tom Parker, Mel Glidewell and Tom Ivey.
Smith served in the United States Navy from 1954-1958 as an engineman. Exposure to asbestos and the carbon tetrachloride commonly used to clean tools at the time, led to cancer in his right kidney and left lung.
In 2000, he was granted 10 percent for the lesion on his lung but was denied on his kidney. Smith turned to Tom Ivey and Mel Glidewell for help appealing the decision.
“This particular case just seemed so unfair,” said Tom Parker, VFW Benefits Delivery at Discharge Representative, who also assisted in pursuing Smith’s claim. “Everything seemed textbook—cut and dry—and then it took quite a while for the approval to come through.”
Four years in fact. But when victory arrived for Smith, it was momentous.
“His claim was approved in October of 2005,” shared Parker. “The Board of Veterans Appeals (BVA) backdated it to August of 2000 so you can imagine what an amount that was—$140,156 to be exact!” said Parker.
Extremely grateful for the dedication and help of each VFW service officer who helped him, Smith used most of his claim to pay off medical bills.
“Sadly, Smith passed way in October of 2008,” Parker explained. “Thankfully he was here to receive the compensation and respect he so rightfully deserved.” | 
