98-year-old World War II veteran gets the healthcare he deserves for Christmas after contacting I-Team

NORTH TEXAS - This holiday season, the family of 98-year-old Shelby Dawson, one of the last surviving World War II veterans, is thankful to the I-Team for stepping in to ensure he receives the healthcare he needs at home. Shelby has faced significant health challenges, including dementia and mobility issues, prompting his family to seek assistance from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for months.

Despite numerous calls to various VA offices and struggles to understand his eligibility for care, Shelby's son, Gregg Dawson, and daughter expressed their frustrations over the limited healthcare available to their father, which was capped at just 11 hours per week. In a previous collaboration in 2018, the I-Team had successfully helped the family secure a Purple Heart for Shelby's wartime injuries, showcasing their commitment to his well-being.

The situation changed when the Dawsons reached out to the I-Team once more, expressing their despair over the VA's lack of support. The I-Team contacted the VA directly, and within hours, the family received significant news. Shelby's home healthcare hours increased dramatically, and they were informed about several additional programs that could help improve his disability rating.

While the Dawson family is relieved that Shelby can spend Christmas at home, they are now faced with the daunting task of managing an influx of paperwork to secure the benefits he is entitled to. They worry about other veterans who may not have advocates to help navigate the complex system and could be trapped in similar bureaucratic challenges.

Shelby Dawson's experience highlights the sacrifices made by veterans and the often-overlooked difficulties they face when seeking the benefits they earned. Despite the turmoil, he expressed gratitude for the assistance, serving as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggles veterans endure long after their service has ended.