Army vet convicted in Huntington federal court for defrauding VA

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — A Kentucky veteran was found guilty in Huntington Federal Court Tuesday for defrauding the Veterans Health Administration claiming he was blind, according to Acting U.S. Attorney Carol Casto.

The jury deliberated for an hour before convicting Phillip Henderson, 50, of Olive Hill, Kentucky, following his five-day trial.

Following his service in the U.S. Army from 1983 to 1986, Henderson filed multiple claims for benefits through the VA after he was diagnosed with inherited and degenerative eye disease which can lead to total blindness. Doctors testified that Henderson lied about his vision during eye exams by pretending to barely read the letters on eye charts.

Henderson received $75,000 in healthcare benefits which he was not entitled.

He faces up to 10 years in federal prison and thousands of dollars in fines. Sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 1.





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