Question:

Hi Jim. Hope you can shed a little light on a very confused widow!! I am in an NOD for accrued and ultimately they stated opened back up for TDIU. all in before Vets death. (Been waiting 7yrs). I get DIC because of Contributory cause of death on death cert. AND because they KILLED my husband. All they say they want is for me to reference that SSI claim is not relevant to his claim. It's the reason they originally denied. I think that part's easy. What I can't figure out is WHY were none of his secondary conditions ever rated? DMII, IHD, (they are connecting to AO) the new blue water ruling might be all I need. They are also secondary to his 70% PTSD (I got by myself, the first time around) I have been waiting for 100% from TDIU thus asking for all the back pay! They keep denying "Accrued" but if they would give him his TDIU that should then give him "Accrued" Correct?? Is there any point now to fight for 100% DMII (lots of evidence for 100% and fits all criteria for 100%) Is TDIU the only obvious thing I will get now?? All was in a claim "Before" his death. Any help would be appreciated. I am still reeling over the death of my husband. and I will fight till my death for what they SHOULD have given him.. I have 8 despicable stories from the Va here in Washington state. and in the end after all he endured from them, THEY KILLED HIM ANYWAY. Thank you.

Jim's Reply:

I'm sorry to hear of the loss of your veteran...my condolences. You present a very complex scenario and you deserve focused help and guidance from an expert. I urge you to speak to one or more of the veterans law attorneys you'll find on my VAWatchdog web site. You can also search this directory . Veterans law attorneys work on a contingency fee basis so you won't be asked for any money out of pocket and you won't owe anything unless and until you prevail.