War Veteran Travels From Colorado To Oklahoma For Help

A triple-amputee war hero says the Veteran's Administration is complicating his efforts to get the help he needs.

While serving in Afghanistan in October 2010, 23-year-old Jason Hallett lost both legs above the knee, his right arm, and two of his fingers on his left hand after a homemade bomb exploded.

Hallett and his wife Rachel have traveled to Hanger Clinic in Oklahoma City several times over the past 18 months, because he said Hanger makes the only left leg socket that doesn't cause him pain.

However, Hallett said the VA has been forcing him and his wife to make unnecessary and time-consuming trips to VA hospitals in Colorado. Hallett said they are of no use or help.

He said the VA makes them do that before they're allowed to come to OKC.

“We went and got injured doing our jobs and we'd gladly do it again,” Hallett said Thursday afternoon at Hanger. “But we're not looking for extra, we're just asking what we're entitled to, what we deserve.”

Hanger Prosthetist Chad Simpson said Jason Hallett is a unique case, and he and Hanger are doing everything they can to help him and his family. “There's a system in place and that system is one that we have to follow, and it doesn't equal what we always want.”