CALIFORNIA, United States—Cirilo Calderon, a Filipino World War II veteran from Natividad, Pangasinan, served in the 14th Infantry from 1943 to 1945. Last April 14, he became the first veteran in San Francisco to receive a decision on his claim for Filipino Veteran Equity Compensation.

That day, he received a letter from the US Department of Veterans Affairs telling him he is “entitled to receive a Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation. The same letter said this “benefit shall not affect existing rights, under applicable laws and regulations, to VA (Veterans Affairs) benefits or other Federal benefit program.”

The letter also reiterated that “acceptance of this payment will be final and constitute a complete release of any claim against the United States by reason of service qualifying an individual for Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation as according to applicable statutes and regulations.”

Calderon, who turned 86 this year, said he would spend part of his compensation to go home to the Philippines to visit his relatives.