"Stall, Deny and Hope They Die" - The VA's Unwritten Policy

The Story of One Widow's 19-Year Battle with the VA

By: E. Denise Caldon Sorkness

Narrated by: Mercedes Rose Phillips

The dream of every writer is to have their heart type the words for them; as the voice of so many veterans and their families, my heart would not stop writing until our family's VA story was told. My husband of 16 years, James Anthony Caldon, the father of our three children, served with the Navy Seabees Mobile Construction Battalion in Vietnam in 1968. In January 1987, our lives suddenly changed forever.

My Husband was diagnosed with Stage IV non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. It was certified by the VA as service-related due to exposure to Agent Orange. Our children were two, four, and six years old. I am now in my 19th year fighting for my VA DIC Spousal Benefits through insurmountable and never-ending paperwork and total disregard to the facts by the VA Claims System. I will continue to encourage all veterans and their families who each have their own story to live each day remembering.

©2015 Elizabeth Denise Caldon Sorkness (P)2016 Elizabeth Denise Caldon Sorkness

VA

Any additional comments?

There are some stories that brought me to tears. These brave young men and women deserve our respect and should be help whatever they need.

Great book

Is actually amazing book. I had a chance to speak with the author who needs our support as well many others

Absolutely Infuriating! No Vet Should Have To Beg

This book is written by wife E. Denise Caldon Sorkness, her husband was a military man who serve our country in Vietnam.

She discusses the bureaucratic nightmare that our Veterans Administration system has become. While fighting and trying to get her husband's well-earned benefits, she also is trying to get help for his PTSD.

Later, she must confront the VA after he receives a diagnosis of cancer (from agent orange.) She tells of the bureaucratic nightmare that we now know (imaginary paperwork and "secret" waiting lists,) I was able to relate to the frustration she felt throughout this ordeal.

As I read this book, is that those who have served bravely, are treated so poorly. It just made me angry at the way that our veterans and their families have been treated by the VA it is an absolute shame and we should all be demanding change.

I applaud E. Denise Caldon Sorkness for fighting the system and continuing to do so, even after her husband's passing.

There is a simple way to revamp the VA and in the meantime, every man and woman who has served our country and need for medical attention should be given a card that allows them to be seen at any hospital they choose. Their care is the least we can do for the sacrifices each have made.

The VA is a top-heavy bureaucracy with layers and layers of management that is not necessary, in my opinion. I believe that anyone who has found to be deceitful in case management – such as these special lists – should be fired immediately. They should be charged with the gross negligence that they have been accused of, have their day in court and be fined with stiff penalties if found guilty.

An (entertaining) tragedy

Story: First things first, I read this in one sitting as I found this totally gripping! With that being said, this is not a feel-good book. Unfortunately, it is a story about the dark side of life and how an exceptional lady fights the issues she faces. Very inspirational!

Narration: The narrator’s voice suits this book and displays the emotions very well. I would definitely listen to the narrator again.

Overall: An emotional true life story with great writing and wonderful narration

P.S. This audiobook was provided by the narrator free of charge in exchange for an unbiased review via Audiobook Boom.