Frustrated by governmental red tape? Call your local congressman

Sean Freeman served for more than 10 years aboard the U.S. Navy submarines, the USS Theodore Roosevelt and the USS Patrick Henry. And, unfortunately, it feels like it's taken just as long to get the Veterans Administration to correct an error regarding a chronic medical condition that will ultimately take his life.

Freeman's fight only feels like 10 years. It's been three years. That's still unacceptable.

The Indialantic man, who has two children and three grandchildren, worked on the subs as a ballistic missile fire control technician (FTB) - launch supervisor for POLARIS nuclear missiles at the height of the Cold War.

After the military, he started at what was then Grumman in 1983 and transitioned to then-Harris in 2001 before retiring in 2021.

What frustrates Freeman the most is the lack of accountability or the opportunity to speak with a real person at the VA about his problem.

The particulars of the issue are complicated. In simple terms Freeman is trying to correct an error that says his lung disease has nothing to do with TERA or Toxic Exposure Risk Activity. Many veterans who have spent time aboard older submarines were routinely exposed to diesel exhaust, asbestos, and other chemicals and irritants.

Freeman's wife would not be eligible for a death benefit if this is not corrected, he said.

"I have tried every means possible advertised by the Veterans Administration to speak with an accountable person within the VBA," he said, referring to the Veterans Benefits Administration. "I have a terminal illness and am trying to get a gross error corrected within my remaining hours on this planet but the VBA and their contractors are entrenched and accountability cannot be found."

But for Freeman, the issue is bigger than that.

"I am not giving up on this because I want to make this public because every veteran faces this kind of nonsense and I believe that may be what is contributing to 22 deaths a day," Freeman said, referring to the number of veteran suicides per day that's widely used by the VA. Some believe a large number of those suicides are due to exposure to toxic materials.

Frustrated, Freeman recently reached out to Congressman Mike Haridopolos, R-Indian Harbour Beach for help. Haridopolos' team was able to get Freeman a scheduled hearing.

Haridopolos said his office has helped roughly 1,300 residents of Brevard, Indian River and Orange counties resolve problems with federal agencies on issues ranging from passport problems to delayed payments from the IRS, veterans issues and social security hiccups. Just last week, Haridopolos announced his office has reclaimed more than $5,000,000 owed to Floridians ― many in Brevard County ― by the federal government since he took office in January.

"This is why we need to dramatically modernize our government because it's unacceptable to me that it sometimes takes a congressman to shake loose someone who has an issue with the VA or Social Security," Haridopolos told me during a phone interview. "Remember, these people have earned these benefits. This is not welfare, these people earned these benefits from being in the military, they earned it for a lifetime of work and paying into Social Security, and so we love getting involved."

Constituent services are a cornerstone of congressional work because, unfortunately, Freeman's case is not an isolated one. Navigating governmental agencies rife with red tape and roadblocks remains an unfortunate reality for many.

Take, for example, retired NYPD detective James Paddock of Melbourne, who about a year ago changed his mind about filing for social security benefits when his Brevard County employer offered him a raise. He received his first social security check and went to the Melbourne office to return it.

Returning it, he said, was a challenge but eventually he was able to do so. No problem, right? Wrong.

A year later, when he went to re-apply for social security benefits, that's when the nightmare really began. One visit after another. A litany of emails. Phone calls that led nowhere. Finally, Paddock told me, someone in the Melbourne office said his account was locked.

The person was nice enough to call Paddock back in an unofficial capacity with some advice.

"He said 'you need to get help from an outside source,'" Paddock said. That's when he made the decision to pay a visit to Haridopolos' district office in Viera for help.

A month later the issue was resolved and Paddock was able to access his benefits, including retroactive pay.

"They were outstanding," Paddock said. "They truly wanted to help me."

So, how does a congressman cut through red tape?

Congressman Haridopolos’ office staff can't submit new applications on someone's behalf, but they can step in once an application or claim has already been filed and has gone beyond the agency’s typical processing window. At that point, the office serves as an advocate, using its federal contacts to push for answers, cut through bureaucratic delays, and ensure people receive the benefits and services they are entitled to.

Haridopolos said he doesn't want his constituents to hesitate asking for help.

"The most important thing I want to stress is to make sure people have our phone number, make sure they have our e-mail address, make sure that they know that they can get updates to what's going on in Washington. This is their government," Haridopolos said. "If you’re facing problems with a federal agency, don’t hesitate to contact my office. We are here to make sure Floridians get the services and benefits they’ve earned.”

Constituents who need assistance are encouraged to contact Congressman Haridopolos’ offices directly at 321-632-1776 or visit https://haridopolos.house.gov/ and click the "email me" tab.