Veteran Faces Struggles with Benefits and Health
In Gallatin, Tennessee, 87-year-old Randolph Knight, an Army veteran, dedicated 23 years to military service, including during the Vietnam War. Now, he’s confronting a tough challenge at home while battling stage 4 prostate cancer and dementia.
His wife, Shirley Knight, stands by him, managing his Veterans Affairs appointments in Nashville and Murfreesboro. After Randolph’s cancer diagnosis in late 2024, her support became crucial. “She practically saved my life,” Randolph said, expressing his gratitude.
The couple recently received a letter from the Veterans Administration confirming that Randolph’s disability rating entitles him to specific programs. “Does your service-connected disability qualify you as totally and permanently disabled? Yes,” Shirley read aloud.
Hoping to benefit from a state property tax relief program for disabled veterans, they took the letter to the Sumner County Trustee’s Office. However, time passed before they heard back, only to find out from the state auditor’s office that he was deemed ineligible.
“I called them, and they said it was the VA,” Shirley recalled. When she contacted the VA with proof of Randolph’s 100% disability, they mentioned a discrepancy. The Veterans Administration asserted that he should have been given a temporary disability rating instead of permanent.
Veterans benefits experts indicated that the VA views cancer as a reversible condition, which played a part in their decision. “He’ll be on drugs and treatments for the rest of his life. It’s already spread to his bones. He won’t be in remission,” Shirley pointed out.
“It’s like glue,” Randolph added, reflecting on their predicament. In these challenging times, added stress is the last thing families want.
“I just want someone to be accountable, to step up and take responsibility. But, I know, no one will do that,” Shirley lamented.
I reached out to the Veterans Administration for clarification regarding the disability rating criteria related to Randolph’s situation. The feedback has been slow, but a representative from Veterans Affairs national headquarters mentioned that they need additional time to review the case, aiming to provide a formal response soon.
