Helping Linda Address Her VA Benefits Claim

Rick Larsen
Nov 7 · 2 min read

One of the most important and rewarding parts of being a Member of Congress is supporting community members who need help navigating issues with federal agencies.

I am here to serve as a liaison between you and federal agencies. My office can support you to clarify determinations, track the progress of applications or appeals and work with federal agencies to address specific issues you are dealing with.

During the 115th Congress, between January 3, 2017, and January 3, 2019, my office helped 617 people who live in the Second District and recouped more than $2.77 million in federal benefits.

This recurring series will highlight some of the people across the district my office has supported.

If you live in the Second District and need assistance with a federal agency, please contact my Everett District office at 425–252–3188 or visit my website.

If you do not live in Washington’s Second District, you can find your representative here.


In 2015, Linda, the widow of a Vietnam veteran, reached out to my office to resolve an issue with the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Linda’s husband died in 2015 of esophageal cancer associated with Agent Orange exposure.

Linda worked with the Veterans Service Officers at the Snohomish County Veterans Assistance Program to file a benefit claim.

Survivor Dependent and Indemnity Compensation is available to surviving spouses of military servicemembers who died in the line of duty or to survivors of veterans whose death resulted from a service-related injury.

The VA denied Linda’s initial claim because the agency could not connect her husband’s esophageal cancer to his military service.

Linda appealed the decision and reached out to my office in 2015 to help track the progress of her appeal. My casework staff helped Linda follow the case through August 2018.

Due to a renewed effort to process older claims, the VA ruled on Linda’s case in July 2018 and awarded her the monthly benefits.

Linda said, “Rick Larsen’s office was a major factor in making sure my case didn’t fall through the bureaucratic cracks.”


One of my top priorities is to ensure constituents receive the support they need to navigate issues with federal agencies.

My office is here to support constituents who are looking for help navigating issues surrounding veterans’ benefits.

Rick Larsen

Written by

Representing Washington’s 2nd Congressional District

Welcome to a place where words matter. On Medium, smart voices and original ideas take center stage - with no ads in sight. Watch
Follow all the topics you care about, and we’ll deliver the best stories for you to your homepage and inbox. Explore
Get unlimited access to the best stories on Medium — and support writers while you’re at it. Just $5/month. Upgrade