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'It is an amazing feeling,' says family of veteran now eligible for VA Healthcare

Horace Everett, a U.S. Marine veteran, is in the toughest fight of his life and had no health insurance.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Horace Everett, a U.S. Marine veteran, is in the toughest fight of his life and has no health insurance. 

"He's in the first stages of heart failure," said Brandy Everett. "I'm not willing to give up."

For more than a year, the Georgia couple have been in a battle to get the health insurance coverage he needs. 

After serving in Desert Storm, the lance corporal began his life as a truck driver.

He blames himself for his current crisis.

"I failed, I failed," said Everett.

Father's Day 2017, while on the road, a blood clot traveled from his leg to his heart; he's been on his bed of affliction since.

"I just want some insurance so he can go to the doctor," she said.

Everett lost his health insurance when his COBRA premiums got too high, and turned to Georgia Medicaid. In November, the family was told they needed a simple document from the VA to complete the qualification process. 

"We have to get a rejection letter from the VA stating he does not qualify for benefits," she said.

He was not and is not receiving VA benefits. She said when they went to the VA they were told he is not eligible.

"It is this gap; we are in this gap," she said. 

A gap of uncertainty, when and will he be able to see a doctor? How do they pay for his prescriptions?  Everett said the bill is $1 thousand a month.

On Tuesday, On Your Side visited their Georgia home to hear their story. 

Fast forward 24 hours...

"At 7:55 this morning things changed," said Brandy Everett.

A spokesperson for the VA told us they would contact the veteran, and Wednesday morning someone did.

"She explained to me mistakes had been made and he is VA eligible," she said.

She was told what might have happened and how his case was never processed.

But it is all a blur after she heard he is eligible for VA healthcare.

"It is an amazing feeling, you just can't understand," Everette said. "God is good!"

She said it means he can now receive physical therapy at home and he will be able to see medical specialists for his lingering health problems.

Everett was told that his eligibility is effective immediately. 

"I am so thankful for you and everybody else who help pushed along the way and not give up," she said. "So thank you." 

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