The American Legion; JAN 25, 2023
A barricade that prevented some World War II veterans from receiving VA care has been removed, thanks to a relentless drive by The American Legion.
The legislation exempts World War II veterans from the means test needed to receive VA health-care services.
American Legion National Commander Vincent J. “Jim” Troiola praised Sen. Robert Menendez, D-N.J., who introduced legislation in the Senate that ultimately wound up being approved toward the end of December.
“This was the honorable thing to do for our World War II veterans,” Troiola said. “We’re grateful for their service that preserved our democracy through a dark time in history. Ensuring every single one of them still alive today has access to VA health care is a symbol of our everlasting gratitude for their efforts. We are thankful for this legislation to become reality, and the support from Sen. Menendez in getting it approved.”
The senator returned the gratitude.
“I am grateful to The American Legion for their leadership and partnership in getting the WWII Veterans Hospital and Medical Eligibility Act passed into law last December,” Menendez said. “By getting rid of unnecessary red tape that blocked World War II veterans from accessing VA benefits they earned, we took an important step forward in fulfilling our obligation to the Greatest Generation who put their lives on the line to defend our freedom.”
At its national convention in 2017, The American Legion approved a resolution calling for the unencumbered ability for World War II veterans to use VA health-care facilities on the basis of their honorable service.
