Jim,

My Mother is about to be a widow for the 3rd time. My Step-father Joe is terminally ill and my Mother is in need for assisted living. Joe served 2 gigs in the US Army from the years 1956-1960 and 1972-1976. I have been informed from the VAA that his service falls with in the gray areas that were not served during war time. Completely understood.

This is the part that gets me. My father, Gene J O'Neil served in WWII in the US Navy. Dad passed away in 1970 and left my Mother widowed. My Mom married again to John H Walker a WWII vet who served in the US Army. He passed away in 1980 leaving my Mom widowed once again.

Mom only recieves $600-$800 per month from SSI and could really use VAA. Why is a widow turned away from the VA in time of need when she clearly deserves this benefit?

Reply:

I followed up with you in a short series of emails to ask a few questions. Much as I had suspected, you and your mother had never actually applied for any VA benefits. I get many emails that are similar to this one from veterans and families who have been told they aren't eligible for a benefit so they don't apply. All too often their information comes from friends or a mysterious "VA Rep" who they met at a VA clinic or elsewhere.

There is only one single way to determine eligibility for any VA benefit. You must first formally apply. Application for any VA benefit is very simple. Any person who believes they may be eligible for any VA benefit may write a clear and concise letter to the nearest VA Regional Office and make the application by simply stating it. Anytime we communicate with our VA we always use certified mail, return receipt requested...we never call, we don't use a fax and we don't email.

In this case your mom should write a one page letter stating that she believes that she is eligible for "survivors benefits" and then give VA some basic information as to why she thinks that. She should include her data like her SSN and anything she may have about her late husband(s). If forms are required, VA will then return anything that they need completed and after they get that back, they can make a decision.

This applies to any and all VA benefits. To apply gets the answer. Unless you apply, it will all be guesswork.