SAN DIEGO (KGTV) -- A local Navy vet and his wife are desperate, after the monthly VA checks that they use to pay bills suddenly stopped. They say the reason is - the bank and the VA believe Jules Schexnayder is dead.
"I'm still here, and I'm staying alive," Jules said, chuckling at the BeeGees song reference.
82-years-young, Jules is a Navy veteran. He's been retired and getting his VA checks since the 70s. Until this August, when the checks stopped coming. He called Bank of America for an explanation and they told him it was because they believed he was dead.
Jules’ wife, Millie, then started receiving letters from Bank of America offering condolences. When the family called the bank to ask why the checks stopped coming, they said they were told it’s because Jules is dead.
"They sent my wife these two letters, saying that I was dead," Jules said, explaining that the VA was told the same thing.
The Schexnayders said the mix-up has caused hardship, and they are now having trouble paying bills.
They said they have filled out the appropriate paperwork, but that it has taken time to process, and the checks still aren’t coming - meaning late fees on their bills.
With the family’s finances turned upside down, they said they only have one option.
“I want to sue them,” Millie Schexnayder said. “They’ve caused just too much heartache.”
The Department of Veterans Affairs in Washington, D.C. said it could not comment on the case until the family fills out a form to release information about their case. The family filled out the form on Thursday.
UPDATE: The San Diego Department of Veterans Affairs said it has been sending his benefits and has him on record as alive.
A Navy Federal Credit Union spokesperson issued a statement, "As is our policy, we cannot comment on members’ specific account information. Our members' security, privacy and financial well-being are Navy Federal's top priorities and something we work around the clock to protect. We encourage members to contact us if they have concerns about their accounts."
10News is waiting for a comment from Bank of America.
