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I'm Telling Ken | Local veteran battling VA over benefits for progressive disease

During his tenure, a Navy physician diagnosed him with myotonic dystrophy. According to his documents, this all happened while he was active duty.

JACKSONVILLE, Fl -- While On Your Side was at University Diner to listening to consumer complaints or issues, Robert Bibeau, 64, came in with a stack of documents.

"My problem is the VA," he said. The Department of Veterans Affairs.

Bibeau served 20 years in the United States Navy.

"Nobody is listening to me," he said.

During his tenure, a Navy physician diagnosed him with myotonic dystrophy. According to his documents, this all happened while he was active duty.

"I go to the VA in Gainesville," said Bibeau. "Everywhere I go, they say I have it."

Since his retirement, Bibeau has asked the VA to provide compensation benefits for his M-D diagnosis, but it has been an uphill battle.

"It is in appeal right now," he said.

He said even though the request is based on the Navy's report and his current health condition, he has been denied repeatedly.

"It is extremely frustrating," he said. "It is getting to me."

He now receives 20 percent compensation benefits for Bell's Palsy and back issues. His request to the VA is to change the disability rating to include his M-D diagnosis. But the VA wants more information before it makes a decision.

"What the VA wants me to do is prove when I had it, when I got it, and where I got it, but it is here," he said.

Here, written in his service records, a report from the Navy signed at the time by a Navy doctor.

Bibeau said he is not ready to give up and will continue to appeal and appeal.

"I served my time, I served the Navy, I serve my country. I think it is now time to be served," Bibeau.

On Your Side reached out to the VA Benefits office and they're researching Bibeau's file and claim before providing a response.

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