September 20, 2005

Gary M. Becker
Director
Health Eligibility Center
Department of Veterans Affair
2957 Clairmont Rd NE Ste 200
Atlanta GA 30329-1647

Dear Mr. Becker,

I apologize for the laxness in a prompt response. Be that as it may, I don't dispute the income figures for my wife because I don't keep track of finances at all. I have not been gainfully employed since before 1999 as best I can remember. While I don't know nor dispute my wife's income, I'm not sure they applicable. If they are, well, then they are, and I will deal with the consequences.

In August, 2000, I separated from my wife and moved to Minneapolis, MN, to try to develop an internet service. The money I saved up to work on my project did not last and I ran up mid 5-digit credit card debt. When credit cards failed, I was reduced to borrowing money from friends and family which also which dried up. (A credit check of my name will show several outstanding delinquent debts.)

In April, 2002, I applied to re-new my VA medical benefits which I had first used after separation from the service. In Fall of 1970, a VA doctor diagnosed me with an inguinal hernia with an operation being performed on Dec. 22/23, 1970, at the St. Louis VA hospital.

In Fall, 2002, because I had not paid rent for numerous months, I was evicted by my landlord. You can verify my residence dates and debt by calling S&S Management 612-379-3928. I was homeless for ten days. I found a cheap room in Minneapolis where I resided until May of this year (2005) with trips to Richmond. In the end, like my previous place, I was not able to pay rent even though I had reduce my eating budget to beans and Ramen noodles. This landlord's number is 612-332-1967.

My point in relating these verifiable events is that while my wife and I were undivorced, we were separated most of this time with one gap being over five months. We were not on good terms. Her and my relatives did not like me based on telephoned confrontations with memorable lines, e.g., "Get a`life, go back to your wife," or, "Will you be able to handle the truth when you wake up to it?"

A turning point in our relationship was her call in August, 2003, that she was having emergency heart surgery . What was supposed to be a 5-day $60,000 procedure for her ended up being a third of a million dollars over four months and 40-days in the hospital--call her employer, you have the number. She survived though the after-insurance costs and lost wages destroyed her finances.  She still is making monthly payments on the debts. I came home for the duration to be a caretaker and returned to Minneapolis when she returned to work. While I am currently residing with my wife, I expect to relocate and divorce as soon as I am financially able to so do. My wife tolerates my internet project and me because she doesn't want to be the first in her family to divorce and I owe her a lot of money.

While I find the VA medical services equal to or better than any private care provider, I am both thankful and embarrassed that I no longer am able to afford private care. When I was an employer in the 80's and 90's, I prided myself on paying full-insurance coverage for my employees when other companies of my size did not. As others will tell you, I have made business decisions more akin to a Mother Teresa than to a Bill Gates, for I'd rather have her morals than his money.

I hope that I can receive VA benefits until I get on my feet. If not, I will wing it with prayer, for I must finish this project that has consumed my life.

Sincerely,

Robert Barnett
6096