Main fundraiser photo

Disabled Vet - Surgery Expenses

Donation protected
I am a Veteran with a 70 percent disability, without dental coverage.

I need a tooth removed and two fillings, since I have not had dental coverage in the past 25 years. In that time I have lost five molars due to old filling failures or decay. Immediate treatment will allow left knee replacement surgery scheduled for May 17th.   The funds above  also include GOFUNDME fees for the effort.  No fees are charged to donors.

I had right knee replacement in February 2016 at the West Roxbury VA Medical Center. While that one was more painful, I have bone on bone arthritis on my left knee.  If I wait until September,  for the dental work to be covered 80 percent by insurance, it will delay replacement surgery until at least the middle of October.  Waiting that long will of course be more painful.

In 2006, I was not able to work enough to keep a room, and became homeless for the third time. I was severely depressed, spending 3 years between a shelter and a Salvation Army Rehabilitation Center. I applied for a VA disability, since mental health issues had occured during active and reserve Naval Service. I had graduated from the Naval Academy, served as an officer on submarines, then provided engineering services to civilian nuclear plants for ten years. My partial disability was granted in January 2010.

Having the replacement sooner will also allow me to search for and perform part or full time employment.
With a 70 percent VA disability, I can still work without it reducing the monthly benefit. The Section 8 housing assistance I receive will be reduced by 30 percent of additional income, until there is no assistance.  I currently perform volunteer work as an advocate for the homeless, for a local nonprofit. The assistance is now reduced by 30 percent of those earnings.
Donate

Donations 

  • Richard Snow
    • $100 
    • 7 yrs
Donate

Organizer

William Higgins Jr.
Organizer
Portland, ME

Your easy, powerful, and trusted home for help

  • Easy

    Donate quickly and easily.

  • Powerful

    Send help right to the people and causes you care about.

  • Trusted

    Your donation is protected by the  GoFundMe Giving Guarantee.