Army veteran overcomes homelessness with help from MVAA veteran service officer

GAYLORD, Mich. - An Army veteran, previously experiencing homelessness, received a 100% U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability rating with assistance from a Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) veteran service officer (VSO). With financial stability and long-overdue recognition for his service, the veteran was able to transition into stable housing, marking a significant turning point in his life.

Bernard Selzer Jr. proudly served in the Army from 1987 -1990. During his service, Selzer fell off the top of a M-577 armored personnel vehicle, landing directly on his head. As a result, Bernard experienced lifelong severe back pain. It wasn't until 2017 that he filed his first VA disability claim, which was denied due to his physical inability to travel to his compensation and pension examinations.

More challenges came Selzer's way when his mother passed away and he had to give up his family home. After losing stable housing, Selzer came to Michigan and began staying at Patriot Place, a homeless shelter for veterans.

"I felt hopeless and it seemed like nobody was willing to help until I came to Michigan," said Selzer.

While staying at Patriot Place, Selzer met with MVAA VSO Amber Peplinski and shared his story with her. Soon after their introduction, Peplinski quickly got to work to help him get the rating and compensation he deserved.

"During our first conversation, I reviewed his file and was disappointed that it had been nearly eight years since he was denied and nobody helped him reopen his claim," said Peplinski. "Nobody, especially those who served our country, should experience homelessness, so I focus on how I can help veterans get out of these situations."

Selzer was eventually awarded a 60% rating, however, Peplinski knew this wasn't enough because of his inability to work and his need for a caregiver. A second rating came in, but h

is overall combined rating did not increase and Selzer's frustrations and doubts began to heighten. Peplinski explained to Selzer that the claim was still pending for other conditions and there was still hope for an increase - he understood and fully trusted her recommendations.

After months of follow-ups and anxiously waiting, Selzer was finally awarded 100% permanently and totally disabled, ensuring that he would receive the disability compensation and necessary medical care that was three decades overdue. He was also able to purchase a home, ending his struggles with homelessness.

"I was so excited because I knew I could finally purchase a house," said Selzer. "To my fellow veterans - don't give up and find a VSO that will help."

"It's unfortunate that sometimes it takes homelessness or another form of financial hardship for a veteran to seek assistance from the VA or a VSO," said Peplinski. "Fortunately, there are advocates who care about these veterans and are willing to work with them to make sure they get all of the benefits they are entitled to."

"I often hear from veterans that they never applied for benefits because other veterans need it more. The benefits are there for every veteran who earned them, and it doesn't take away from another veteran if they apply for their benefits. Any veteran, especially those experiencing homelessness, should not be scared to ask for assistance getting their VA benefits. I know I speak for all MVAA VSOs when I say we care and we are happy to help."

If you are a service member, veteran or family member and need support, please contact the Michigan Veterans Resource Service Center at 1-800-MICH-VET (1-800-642-4838) to learn more about veteran benefits and resources.

Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency - The MVAA is the central coordinating agency, providing support, care advocacy and service to veterans and their families. As a state agency, MVAA works to identify and break down barriers veterans face in employment, education, health care and quality of life, to make Michigan a great place for veterans and their families to call home. More information about MVAA is available at Michigan.gov/MVAA or by reading our FY25 Annual Report.