Do NOT use the term "Agent Orange" There are other chemicals that were used, Agent Orange is just 1. If you say the problems that are now diagnosed were due to "Agent Orange" and the Vet never was exposed to Agent Orange but another chemical that may invalidate benefits. Instead of the term "Agent Orange" use the term "Agent Rainbow" this will include all other chemical agents that the Vet may have been exposed to.
Did he serve during wartime, even if he remained stateside? Does he have any service connected disabilities? Was he honorably discharged? When did he serve?
There is nothing said about having to have served during wartime or overseas. The biggest problem is President Bush decided that there should be an income ceiling - stupid!
However, there are ways to get him into the VA system. Start by finding the VA Advocate - there should be one somewhere near you.
Ask other veterans, someone will have a name and phone number.
And believe it or not, even dishonorably discharged can sometimes be eligible. It never hurts or costs just to ask.
Contrary to the above answer from Raylin, I've been told that the Veteran must have been in the Korean and/or Vietnam wars or been exposed to Agent Orange. Call the VA. They will give you the parameters for being able to seek aid. The MOST important document will be the service member's DD214. That is CRUCIAL. Best of luck!
Clarifying my response: My inquiry was in regards to a surviving spouse. VA benefits for retired military may be completely different. I was seeking Pension benefits for my disabled mother, who is a widow. They do a thorough check of finances and factor in the need for medical aid and attendance. Thanks-
I've been told by several veterans benefits experts that you need to have served in wartime to be eligible for Aid & Attendance, but you don't need to have deployed overseas
Wow. Seems that everyone has been told or heard differing qualifiers for aged veterans to receive a, some, any benefits.
I’d recommend getting your answers straight from the source. Start with your local Veterans Administration - if they can’t help, they ought to be able to point you in the right direction to an appropriate agency/commission who can get you accurate answers.
There are many factors that may determine eligibility. What are his health issues? Was he ever stationed at Camp LeJeune? There are many organizations to help answer your questions but you need at least his DD-214. I was lucky enough to find all the bases of assignment for my stepfather using Ancestry.com.
Not true Kristen3. Neither my dad nor my DH seved in Korea, Vietnam and never were exposed to Agent Orange. Both were WWII veterans and my DH has been receiving benefits for about 25 years now. My dad received until he passed in 2011.
Ok, I see how you "sort of" changed your answer.
The Veteran is entitled to benefits - but sometimes you must fight for them. Closed Enrollment and Pres Bush putting a ceiling on income doesn't help. But the veteran can show up at the VA- E.R. and sit there until they take him/her. Once in the system, he will be eligible for all applicable benefits. My walking buddy is a navy veteran and has seen this happen and every single time, the veteran is not turned away.
Again I say, find a VA Advocate - they are in all major cities and even 'minor' cities. We actually have one in my small town of 1500 but he's only available one day a week. Ask Ask Ask.
If you cannot locate your VA Advocate - use the National Organization of Veteran Advocates: https://vetadvocates.org/
There are other chemicals that were used, Agent Orange is just 1. If you say the problems that are now diagnosed were due to "Agent Orange" and the Vet never was exposed to Agent Orange but another chemical that may invalidate benefits.
Instead of the term "Agent Orange" use the term "Agent Rainbow" this will include all other chemical agents that the Vet may have been exposed to.
There is nothing said about having to have served during wartime or overseas. The biggest problem is President Bush decided that there should be an income ceiling - stupid!
However, there are ways to get him into the VA system. Start by finding the VA Advocate - there should be one somewhere near you.
Ask other veterans, someone will have a name and phone number.
And believe it or not, even dishonorably discharged can sometimes be eligible. It never hurts or costs just to ask.
Best of luck!
Thanks-
I’d recommend getting your answers straight from the source. Start with your local Veterans Administration - if they can’t help, they ought to be able to point you in the right direction to an appropriate agency/commission who can get you accurate answers.
Neither my dad nor my DH seved in Korea, Vietnam and never were exposed to Agent Orange.
Both were WWII veterans and my DH has been receiving benefits for about 25 years now. My dad received until he passed in 2011.
Ok, I see how you "sort of" changed your answer.
The Veteran is entitled to benefits - but sometimes you must fight for them. Closed Enrollment and Pres Bush putting a ceiling on income doesn't help. But the veteran can show up at the VA- E.R. and sit there until they take him/her. Once in the system, he will be eligible for all applicable benefits. My walking buddy is a navy veteran and has seen this happen and every single time, the veteran is not turned away.
Again I say, find a VA Advocate - they are in all major cities and even 'minor' cities. We actually have one in my small town of 1500 but he's only available one day a week. Ask Ask Ask.
If you cannot locate your VA Advocate - use the National Organization of Veteran Advocates:
https://vetadvocates.org/
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