In spite of this fact, Manning is being denied benefits normally associated with receiving the medal, which is causing him and his family financial distress and has brought down care and concern for our veterans to a new low.
“I think it’s almost unheard of for someone to receive the Purple Heart but not have their injuries deemed combat-related,”Manning states. “I know that was not what Congress intended to have happen, but it is what currently the Army has determined is going to happen.”
The 2015 defense budget — known as the National Defense Authorization Act, or NDAA — included language that meant Fort Hood victims were eligible for the Purple Heart honor because the attack was inspired by a foreign terrorist group, and not workplace violence, as the Defense Department initially labeled it.
Manning submitted new paperwork so the Army would recognize his injuries were sustained in the line of duty. But his appeal was rejected by a physical evaluation board, apparently based on a narrow interpretation of the law.
“Section 571 of the 2015 National Defense Authorization Act addresses both the awarding of the Purple Heart to service members killed or wounded in attacks inspired or motivated by foreign terrorist organizations and the Defense of Freedom Medal for those members and civilians killed or wounded during the Fort Hood attack on 5 November 20009,” the April 6 letter states.
“Nowhere in the act, however, does it offer combat benefits for service members permanently disabled in attacks inspired or motivated by foreign terrorist organizations. Although subsequent legislation and guidance may change, currently, the Board has no authority to award V1/V3 (service related) designation to soldiers disabled during the Fort Hood attack. “
Manning said, “it’s a great thing to finally be recognized, to stand up there and say, ‘Hey your sacrifice did mean something.’”
But he said the board’s decision means, on a practical level, his family will lose back pay, and $800 a month in benefits, adding he believes other Fort Hood survivors will face the same treatment. “I think you know it’s a huge let-down. I hope that’s not what the Army had intended to do.”
An earlier letter in 2012 was absolute in its denial of the terrorist connection, even though the evidence showed Hasan was emailing the Al Qaeda cleric Anwar al-Awlaki prior to the attack.“MAJ Hasan has been charged with criminal activity, but has not been adjudicated a terrorist. Therefore, the clear preponderance of evidence does not support that the injuries sustained were the direct result of armed conflict,” the letter said.
It went on to state Manning’s injuries were not caused by an “instrumentality of war” because Hasan’s “weapon was a private semi-automatic pistol. The army did not issue this weapons to the soldier.”
Fox News contributor and former Army Chief of Staff retired Gen. Jack Keane said the Purple Heart is much more than a medal. It is also a promise to care for the injured.
“This country has made a commitment for some time to take care of people who have those disabilities and to provide, not just medical support but financial support as well,” he said.“So, I’m convinced this is going to get fixed.”
Army spokeswoman Cynthia O. Smith told Fox News in a statement, “All recipients of the Purple Heart Medal under section 571 of the NDAA 2015 will receive the benefits to which they are legally entitled.In the case at issue, no final decision has been rendered, and the Soldier will have a full opportunity to present evidence at a formal hearing.”
Based on the statement, Fox News followed up to ask if it is the Army’s intention that the Fort Hood Purple Heart recipients would need to go to a formal hearing, as is the case with Manning,to prove their injuries are combat-related. There was no further comment from the Army.
He’s a veteran and he’s white
What is wrong with the government people that need it don’t get it
So what benefits are they missing out on? What difference does it make being injured in combat then a accident or $#%&!@*ault? Umm maybe someone should look that up? Because has far has I know the only difference is a combat vet gets 5 years medical when they get out (just them) and if they get over 60% disability they get free health care forever!? Getting shot 6 times will get you at least 60%.
The people running The VA are all idiots….
Chris Yeager Dawn Medley
Just not right.
No new info in this link. If he gets the Purple Heart, he get the benefit.
Dawn, no…not correct. thats been my point…just out of curiousity have you ever had to navigate either a military PEB or deal with the VA for any kind of disability claim?
as a Vietnam in country vet 1968-69..even we who did the walk have gone head to head with the VA and many of my bros still aren’t getting the compensation they deserve..I’m talking grunts with PH’s, combat action, bronze and silver star medals..
anyone who takes the oath to defend our country and takes a bullet from a known enemy should be compensated…those who are not in the military who get job injuries get workmans comp, don’t they?..some even for life..and they get health care too.
If we can give billions of dollars to other country’s the we should take care of all our troops no matter the %!!!!! Sad this is how our government treats our citizens of the USA!!!!!