SAN FRANCISCO, California - About a hundred Filipino veterans and their advocates flocked to the War Memorial Building Thursday morning to hear the good news from Jon Skelly, the Manila Regional Director of the United States Veterans Affairs. (VA).

The US Congress passed the final version of the Supplemental Appropriations Act. It includes a rider that provides $67 million in additional funding for the Filipino veterans’ lump sum claims.

“I’m happy to note that it is sitting on President Obama’s desk right now.  The chances of it being passed are good,” said Skelly.

VA records show that more than 16,000 claims have been already been paid, amounting to $190 million.

The VA only has $8 million left in the lump sum fund, with only 4,000 claims left to process.

“The additional $67 million would be used to fund other claims that may still be approved even after the denial,” said Skelly.

Felino Punsalan, 92, is one of the Filipino veterans filing an appeal. His lump sum claim was denied because the VA said his name could not be found on the Missouri List.

“That’s stupid! I’m sorry to say that. But this is not right,” Punsalan said.

Filipino veterans and their supporters filed a lawsuit against the VA for making the Missouri List the primary requirement for approving lump sum claims.

Because of the lawsuit, Skelly said he cannot comment on whether the Missouri List should remain the primary requirement.

“What I can say for now is that whatever documentation veterans have that would further help their claims, I encourage them to submit it,” Skelly said.

Skelly and other high-ranking VA officials are touring key cities in the US to talk to Filipino veterans about their claims.

He said those denied must file an appeal immediately and the VA will do its best to process the appeals so the veterans can truly enjoy their benefits. Balitang America