LANCASTER COUNTY, Pa. — A Lancaster County man says he has all the proper paperwork to prove he served in the Navy during Vietnam.
Yet, he still doesn't have a VA medical card.
FOX43 Finds Out
Outside of his home in Mount Joy, Jeffrey Unangst has a flag that reads "Veteran & proud."
"I took an oath to give up my life to protect the values and freedom we all enjoy every day," said Unangst.
The Lancaster County man served in the Navy during the 1970's.
Unangst said, "This basically certifies and documents the fact that I am a veteran."
When he returned from his time served, he used some of the benefits of being a vet.
"I had medical, VA medical. I had gone there for some counseling."
Lost, but not forgotten
Then, during a hiking trip with buddies in the early 1980's, he lost his wallet.
"I tried looking for it and I couldn't find it. It was like 'Ah man, all those cards."
Including his Veteran Health Identification Card.
He hasn't been able to get a replacement since.
Years ago, he tried getting a new card at the VA Medical center in Coatesville.
"I even showed her my replacement social security card, my new driver's license. The only thing I didn't have was my DD-214 with me. I don't carry it with me, I'm to safeguard it and keep it in my possession at all times."
He says he was told there was no record of him in the system.
So, he went home, got his DD-214 paperwork and he called the VA.
"I said, what's my chances of getting a replacement card for the VA Hospital. Oh, you have to go to the facility for that. Ok. So I'm back to square one."
Getting a new card
FOX43 Finds Out contacted the VA about Unangst's issue.
Now, he says the VA is working with him to get a new card.
"It's a part of me. It was a part of me then and I just want it back. Why am I having so much difficulty in getting a replacement?"
If you or someone you know is a veteran and wants to enroll: here's how you can start that process and here's how you can know if you're eligible.
Also, the VA in Coatesville sent us the following statement: "When a Veteran or family member concern comes to our attention, we make every effort to reach out to them directly, just as we have done with this Veteran. However, in February 2014, VA implemented a new, more secure Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) to replace the existing Veteran Identification Card (VIC). The redesigned card contains a barcode and magnetic stripe to protect Veteran information. When Veterans provide their enrollment information and have a photo taken at facilities, the VA Health & Eligibility Center verifies the information and mails the VHIC to the Veteran within 10 days>"
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