VA red tape forcing veteran's family to live in tent

PUYALLUP, Wash. -- A military veteran and his family are having a hard time breaking through the red tape of Veterans Affairs.

Right now, the Dunahoe family is living in a tent. It's just the latest hardship for a family that's already had a stroke of hard luck.

"I don't want to say it sucks, but basically it does," said James Dunahoe, Jr. "You do your time, pretty much." 

The Dunahoes and their five kids are cramped inside a tent at a friends house.

"In a pop-up trailer right now waiting for the money to kick in, money they said they were going to," James said.

James is a recently retired veteran of the Army on 100 percent disability since being injured in combat. But the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs disability checks haven't arrived. It's been three months, and the family needs the checks and the proof of income so they can move into the home they've chosen in Graham.

"You got injuries for your country and this is how the VA treats you?" said Leahana Dunahoe.

The Dunahoes were in the news a few weeks ago when their moving trailer was stolen and then found. They weren't sure if the precious ashes of their son and mother were still inside. When they opened the door the ashes were there, though many of their larger items, such as TVs, were gone.

The KOMO Problem Solvers called the VA to see what's taking so long. They said they were taking care of it.  When we put Leahana on the line they promised her the money and documents would be there Wednesday.

"He's not happy that we have the news calling him," Leahana said after the call.