Vietnam Vet Wins $12 Million Malpractice Settlement From VA Hospital

CHICAGO (CBS) -- A Chicago-area Vietnam veteran will get a $12 million medical malpractice settlement from the federal government.

John Johnson was a Vietnam Veteran and heart patient.

He went in for oral surgery at the Hines V.A. Hospital in 2007, went into cardiac arrest and suffered brain damage as a result.

Attorney John Winters says his doctors didn't adequately prepare for and monitor his heart condition when he was put under anesthesia.

Johnson will get a $12 million dollar settlement from the federal government.

Winters says the money will be used to help cover medical and day-to-day living expenses for the rest of his life.