Dying Veteran Can't Get Pain Medicine from VA?

Local veteran dying of cancer can’t get pain meds from VA 
WFTV News 9
April 15, 2015

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — An Orange County veteran diagnosed with terminal colon cancer said he was given just months to live. But after serving for more than 30 years, he said Veterans Affairs denied him pain medication that he needs to make it through the day.

Channel 9 found out the denial is being blamed on a paperwork mistake. Leroy Brugonone said even though he’s fought in war, he had no way to prepare for his fight with the VA.

“I’m just like a number, not a countryman. I’ve fought lots of battles. Not like this,” he said. 

Brugonone has colon cancer. Doctors told him surgery or chemotherapy would not save his life. “I pray to God I can live one more day,” Brugonone said. He said the only thing he can do now is live comfortably and it takes several pain medicines to get him through the day. But now he says he can’t get the medicine anymore. 

Brugonone said the VA told him last week he was denied because he missed too many appointments.

He said he missed them because he didn’t know when they were. read more here