Subject: Veterans DENIED Assistance from Vet Organizat Date: 21-05-2004

Author: Dale Reply

Combat Disabled Veterans Denied Assistance From VA And Veteran Service Organizations WWW.FIREBASE.NET By Staff Writer: Rick Townsend firebaseadrian@tc3net.com

5/19/04 Vietnam Combat disabled veterans Jere Beery, and Dale Van Luven are discovering the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the many national veteran service organizations are unwilling, or unable to enforce existing federal laws protecting veterans’ benefits.

Within the past twelve months both Beery and Van Luven have been ordered to pay their ex-wives alimony from their VA disability compensation. According to U.S. Code, Title 38, 5301(a), VA disability compensation is totally protected from consideration, and/or attachment in any civil case. “The problem is getting anyone to enforce this federal lawâ€, Van Luven stated.

In March, Beery, was ordered by Georgia, Superior Court Judge, Alan Keeble, to pay $24,000.00 in alimony from his VA disability compensation to his ex-wife. He has appealed his case and will appear before Judge Keeble on June 10, 2004, in Newnan, Georgia. Many supporters from around the country have vowed to attend the Beery Hearing. “I’ve got to hear what this Judge has to say about this,†Molly Turner of Atlanta, Georgia said. “My son is in Iraq right now. As a mother, I will fight to protect his future benefits. I will be at the Beery Hearing to show my support and concern,†she added.

Last year, Van Luven was ordered to pay alimony with his VA disability compensation and Social Security disability by Tennessee, 4th Circuit Court for Davidson County, Judge Muriel Robinson. “I can go to jail at anytime for nonpayment, all because this Judge violated the federal law that is suppose to protect my VA disability compensation,†Van Luven said.