Controversial 'end of life' document has East Tennessee veterans concerned
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Updated: 9:36 PM Aug 31, 2009
Controversial 'end of life' document has East Tennessee veterans concerned
Controversy tonight over a Department of Veteran's Affairs website publication. East Tennessee veterans are among a multitude of veterans upset with a survey called "Your Life, Your Choices."
Posted: 5:50 PM Aug 31, 2009
Reporter: Mark Edwards
Email Address: mark.edwards@wvlt-tv.com
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KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) -- "Seems like the VA is trying to force it down our throats."

Leon Jaquet is a Veterans Affairs Officer, and after looking at the "Your Life, Your Choices document, he says some of the questions could cause a Vet to make a wrong life or death decision.

"They might respond without thinking first you know time, heat of the moment they may be distraught from the loss of a loved one and just decide on a whim and mark the wrong box without thinking about it," Jaquet told WVLT.

On page 21, the heading is "What Makes Your Life Worth Living." and among the questions are: I live in a nursing home. I am a severe financial burden to my family and I cannot seem to shake the blues. The answer choices are difficult but acceptable, worth living, but just barely, not worth living and can't answer now.

"The first three or four questions were offensive to me and would be offensive to anybody that had served their country," said Daniel Fritz, Jr., Commander of the VFW Post 1733.

Here at the VFW Post 1733, everyone agrees that the "Your Life, Your Choices workbook singles out Veterans unfairly. However, there are some that think making end-of-life decisions should be in their own hands.

"If I've got a choice I don't want to be here if I'm not functional, if my family has to support me and take care of me. No i don't want to be here," said Vietnam Veteran Elmer Hawkins.

The Department of Veterans Affairs issued this statement to Volunteer TV. Quote "Your Life, Your Choices" is not an advance directive or living will, it is an educational resource. The National Advance Directive that the VA utilizes today is the same document that was authorized by the Bush Administration in 2006," said Katie Roberts, Press Secretary for the Department of Veterans Affairs.

But due to the sensitive nature of some of the questions, the Bush Administration removed the workbook from the VA website. The Obama Admin station put it back on.

"He made his speech when he was running for President that he was going to help the Vets and I don't see anything he's done but hurt us," Hawkins, said.