Question:
I got divorced in back in 2000 when I was still able to work. Last year, I began receiving Social Security Disability and have a 60% disability rating from the Department of Veterans Affairs and 5 years ago I was able to get my civil service disability retirement reinstated from the Office of Personnel management. I'm sure someone reading this will think I've gone bonkers but, I would like to know how to get my ex-wife 50% of my three disability incomes. I never remarried and probably never will due to my current health . she has remarried. We were married 19 years and she put up with me dragging her across the United States while I was in the military. During the year I was stationed in Korea, she single handedly raised my 1 year old son while living with her parents and she was still waiting for me when I got back. I could go on about what I put her through over the 19 years but, bottom line is she deserves 50% of my disability. If I need to reopen our divorce decree and amend it I will. If I need to get a court order, I will. I'm dealing with three federal agencies with all different regulations to what a divorced wife of a veteran should or shouldn't get. Its too complicated for me.
Jim's Reply:
While your motives may be good, the fact is that you aren't going to find any federal agencies that want to help you get past whatever sort of guilt feelings you may have toward your ex. You could spend a lot of time and money trying to have her officially added to benefits plans and never get what you're seeking. If you're sincere, just give her the money and don't involve the sources.