'Blind' man served as witness in court, held drivers license, handgun permit

LINCOLN, Neb. — A Nebraska man has been sentenced for collecting Social Security and Veterans Administration benefits for being blind while also holding a drivers license and handgun permit.

U.S. Attorney Susan Lehr announced Wednesday that Steven M. Woodall, a resident of South Sioux City, Neb., had been sentenced in federal court for theft of government funds. Senior United States District Court Judge John M. Gerrard handed down a sentence of four years of probation for Woodall, who was also ordered to pay restitution totaling $50,540.

Woodall's case stemmed from his application for benefits from both the Social Security Administration and the Veterans Benefits Administration. Claiming to be 100% disabled due to legal blindness, Woodall began receiving benefits based on his assertions. However, law enforcement agents soon uncovered discrepancies in his claims.

During the investigation, it was revealed that Woodall maintained a valid Nebraska driver’s license despite his purported blindness. Further scrutiny uncovered that he had also obtained a Nebraska concealed handgun carry permit, a credential requiring a level of vision equivalent to that needed for a driver's license.

Additionally, Woodall had been listed as a witness in local police reports and was observed driving and walking without assistance during surveillance.

The pivotal moment in the case occurred during an eye examination on August 13, 2020. Agents observed Woodall driving approximately 86 miles from his residence in South Sioux City to the examination facility in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, accompanied by his wife. Despite claiming blindness, Woodall navigated the journey without apparent difficulty, parking his car and entering the facility unaided. During the examination, Woodall reiterated his alleged inability to drive due to his visual impairment.

The investigation into Woodall's fraudulent claims was conducted jointly by the U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs, Office of Inspector General, the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General.

Woodall's sentencing serves as a reminder of the consequences of defrauding government assistance programs. The case underscores the importance of integrity in obtaining and maintaining benefits rightfully designated for individuals in need.