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'Y'all...made a mistake:' Paralyzed Marine veteran in Tenn. on hospice fights VA for benefits
By Hannah McDonald at NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate)
· June 22, 2026
· 1 min read
"It's just hard. It's very hard," said Joannta Burnley.Joannta's husband, Marine veteran Maurice "Reese" Burnley, communicates by blinking."He's saying yes when he blinks. That's how he talks," Burnley said.Burnley served in the Marine Corps. A leg injury led to an infection and ultimately an amp...
Key takeaway Joannta's husband, Marine veteran Maurice "Reese" Burnley, communicates by blinking.
Why this matters in The Nashville
The Burnley family's struggle to resolve the VA's overpayment issue highlights the complexities and challenges that local veterans and their families face when navigating the benefits system. With Nashville being home to a large veteran population, this case raises concerns about the potential for similar errors and the impact on families who rely on these benefits for critical care. The fact that the VA is withholding $1,000 a month from Maurice Burnley's benefits, forcing his wife to reduce caregivers, demonstrates the real-world consequences of bureaucratic mistakes. As the VA reviews this case, local residents should watch for any updates on the agency's procedures for handling overpayments and ensuring that veterans receive the benefits they are entitled to without unnecessary delays or deductions. The outcome of this case may have implications for how the VA supports veterans in the Nashville area, particularly those requiring hospice care and relying on disability benefits.
About this story
Original reporting by NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) . The Nashville surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 22, 2026 ·
Source: NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? "It's just hard. It's very hard," said Joannta Burnley.Joannta's husband, Marine veteran Maurice "Reese" Burnley, communicates by blinking."He's saying yes when he blinks. That's how he talks," Burnley said.Burnley served in the Marine Corps. A leg injury led to an infection and ultimately an amp...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 22, 2026 by NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Hannah McDonald at NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate). To learn more about how The Nashville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Nashville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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