Veteran’s Benefits

[clifffaith]

We went to a presentation this week which was basically “what the VA can do for you”. We would not have sought the information out, but the speaker was part of the Veteran’s Day programs this week at the Old Folks Home (learned we have a WWII vet just a few doors down who will be 98 tomorrow!). About 15 years ago my now deceased father had found out from a neighbor that the VA covered hearing aids which was news to him, so I wondered if there was anything else we needed to know (Cliff can’t remember sh*t, but hears me fine, so no hearing aids for him yet). Cliff wondered about burial, which was mentioned on a flyer that had been passed out.

When Cliff asked for clarification on burial benefits the speaker from the Veterans Services Office asked where he’d served. Italy with a Corporal Missile Battalion (you were exposed to toxic fuel chemicals, right?) and Germany doing something with ammunition (you would have been exposed to lubricants, right?). Cliff expressed confusion as I whispered in his ear “the guy is telling you how to start a relationship with the VA” and the man says to our group “That’s why I always get the spouse involved!” Long story short it seems to be too much effort just to get Cliff buried since he has no known after effects from service, and who knows why he has repeated skin cancers and bladder cancer (in remission). On the other hand one of our Saturday dinner partners is the widow of a Korean War veteran who was receiving disability benefits at the time of his death. She is meeting with the VSO regarding having her remains shipped back to Long Island to be buried next to her husband. The big take away for me was that the easiest path to after death benefits was to have had a relationship with the VA while alive.

 

[emeryjre]

The PACT Act opened up many benefits to Veterans of all ages
Cliff is a Veteran, definitely speak to the VSO
The list is too long to go into here as to the changes made by the PACT Act
But Cliff is likely to find some benefits will be available now that were not available pre PACT Act

 

[Passepartout]

Definitely check in with a Veteran's Service Officer. I have some of my most expensive meds provided at no cost through VA as well as hearing aids. They'd cover more if I'd ask, but they come at little cost through Medicare.

 

[pedro47]

Suggestions only made an appointment immediately with a DAV local organization and your state Veteran Service Representative. ASAP
Bring his DD214 Forms and all his medical records.