The dedication and perseverance of TVC Claims Benefits Advisors (CBAs) Curtis Spann and his colleague Rhonda Carter paid off in a significant way for a Lufkin area veteran’s surviving spouse. The pair secured a claims award totaling over $219,000 for the widow.
Spann, an Army veteran, initially filed a claim for the veteran in February 2018, for issues related to Agent Orange exposure along the DMZ in Korea. At that time, Spann also reopened a previously denied ischemic heart disease claim that was originally filed on November 2012. The claim was later denied in July 2018.
Determined, Spann reopened the claim in September 2018, but it was denied again the following November. In response, Spann filed a Notice of Disagreement in January 2019, which led to a Statement of the Case issued on March 27, 2020. Spann and Carter worked with the veteran and spouse. Then, in April 2020, submitted the necessary VA form to continue the appeals process.
“Tragically, during the appeal, the veteran passed away on October 23, 2023,” said Spann. “However, on the same day, the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA) issued a decision granting service connection for all his issues related to Agent Orange exposure.”
Following this decision, Spann and Carter filed for Service-Connected Cause of Death and Accrued Benefits for the veteran’s spouse. This claim was awarded on September 22, 2024, resulting in a retroactive payment of over $17,856. Finally, the accrued benefits owed to the veteran before his passing were paid on October 4, 2024, totaling over $201,173.
“This case stands as a testament to persistence and unwavering advocacy of Curtis and Rhonda to ensure that this veteran and his widow received the recognition and compensation they rightfully deserved,” said TVC Claims Southeast District Manager and veteran Julio Harros.
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