VA Seeking Former POWs/Family Members

By: fedweek

The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking former prisoners of war (POWs) or their family members who are not currently receiving VA benefits and services. Officials are urging them to contact VA to find out if they are eligible for health care, disability compensation or other services. The majority of an estimated 25,000 living former POWs are veterans of World War II who served before the use of Social Security numbers. This has made it difficult for VA officials to track down former military POWs who have not been in contact with the department in recent years. People who know a former POW can ask him or her to contact VA at (800) 827-1000. Details about benefits and services available to former POWs and family members are available at www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/Benefits/POW/index.htm.