80-Year-Old Man Who Received $124K in VA Benefits Lied About Serving Three Marine Tours in Vietnam

A man who received more than $124,000 in Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits has admitted to lying about serving in Vietnam.

James Lyon, aged 80, pleaded guilty in federal court in Kansas City, Mo., to fraudulently receiving $124,264 in benefits connected to the war, the U.S. Attorney’s office in the Western District of Missouri.

Lyon refused Marine Corps training in 1966 as a conscientious objector, then subsequently lied that he served three tours as a Marine, including in the Vietnam War. The Department of Justice issued the official statement.

“Engaging in stolen valor—whether it involves stealing a veteran’s identity or making false claims about military service and awards—not only undermines the sacrifices made by those who have genuinely served but also dishonors the veterans who have rightfully earned their benefits,” said Inspector General Cheryl L. Mason, Department of Veterans Affairs, in a statement.

“At VA OIG, we are deeply committed to holding these individuals accountable and will work closely with our partners at the Department of Justice to ensure they are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Protecting the honor and benefits of veterans remains a top priority for us,” Mason added.

In connection to his guilty plea, Lyon admitted that he lied to the VA about an Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) diagnosis to seek disability compensation. He also lied about earning a Bronze Star and Silver Star.

Lyon’s Scheme

A document filed in the case and cited by local news outlet KSHB 41 said that Lyon’s scheme began on or before Oct. 1., 2024 and ran until at least July 1, 2026.

“Veterans’ benefits represent a sacred national promise that is rooted in our gratitude to the men and women who have sacrificed and served our country,” R. Matthew Price, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, said in a statement. “When individuals fraudulently obtain these benefits for their own personal gain, they undermine the integrity of these vital programs and divert resources from the veterans who earned them and need them most.

“That is unacceptable. We will continue to vigorously prosecute those who seek to defraud programs intended to honor and support our nation’s veterans.”

Some 2.7 million U.S. service members served in Vietnam between 1954 and 1975 and over 58,000 died in the conflict. Between 5 and 6 million Vietnam-era veterans are still alive today.

The investigation came as part of the National Fraud Enforcement Division, which the DOJ created on April 7, aimed “to zealously investigate and prosecute” those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars.

It is part of President Donald Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, which is chaired by Vice President JD Vance.

Lyon could face up to 10 years in prison without parole after his admission. Assistant U.S. Attorney James Kirkpatrick is prosecuting the case.

A sentencing hearing has not yet been scheduled.