A veteran diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer was turned away by the Department of Veterans Affairs after being told he makes too much money to qualify for healthcare benefits, he has claimed.
Chuck Brewer, a father and grandfather, was diagnosed with colon cancer with lung metastasis in March, according to a GoFundMe page established by his sister.
Brewer joined the Army at 20 years old and served in the 82nd Airborne Division as a paratrooper. He was stationed in North Carolina and worked as an administrative specialist. After receiving an honorable discharge, Brewer received his degree in social work and spent two decades working in pharmaceutical and medical sales, WKYT reported.
In March, Brewer, who lives in Kentucky, was diagnosed with cancer. “It was very difficult. It was scary at first, but I think I was more scared for my family,” Brewer told WKYT.
While Brewer has not started chemotherapy, he is currently facing the high costs of other procedures and a monthly ostomy bag. He says he went to the VA office for healthcare support but was told he makes too much money to qualify for benefits.
The VA does support veterans and their families but specific benefits vary by state. According to the VA website, a person’s eligibility for care is determined by their income and other factors.
Households which earned $63,086 or more in 2025 may not be eligible based on income but some veterans may still qualify for care based on their VA disability rating, according to the website. The Independent has contacted the VA for comment.
Brewer’s sister, Glena Doorlag, started a GoFundMe page to try to pay for his medical bills, writing that “after multiple surgeries and cancer treatments, the cost will be astronomical, something they cannot afford.”
She continued: “Chuck is the kind of man people naturally gravitate toward. The one who can make you laugh when you need it most and remind you, without even trying, what a good heart looks like. Chuck has spent his life showing strength, resiliences, and quiet courage. But beyond his service, he is, first and foremost, a devoted family man.”
“He is a loving son, a loyal brother, a dedicated husband to his wife Becky, and a proud father to Tiffany, Kelsey, Kaitlyn, and their 8 year old son Cash. And grandfather to Colton,” the fundraiser adds.
The fundraising page had received $16,000 in donations by Tuesday. “I’m appreciative, regardless if we don’t earn another dollar,” Brewer said.
The veteran said it was overwhelming to have people give back to him. “Everybody struggles a little bit financially and they’re struggling too, but they still decided to give, so it means a lot,” he said.
