The Veterans Administration says [Jason] Brunson is 70 percent disabled. He has post-traumatic stress disorder, among other medical problems. He and his wife, Ellen, live with their two children and their son’s fiancee in St. Augustine, Fla.
When Jason was in the Army, he earned $3,600 a month. Now, the family lives on less than half of that. After they pay for Jason’s medical costs, the bills and the rent, they have about $9 left. Jason’s wife, Ellen, said she considered moving the family in with her mother before she found help from nonprofit organizations that help veterans and their families. So far, the family says, it has received about $7,000 in financial assistance from the groups. They don’t usually get cash, though ”” the checks go directly to the Brunsons’ creditors.