[deport]

Curious....

Why is your post linked to Myspace.com?

Was he a 23 yr service veteran or was it 30 yrs and out on disabilty for the past 23?

You best bet is to check with the various military groups...

[nmh]

I've never heard of a military wife getting compensated for NOT having a career and working.

You might want to see if she can get some of his pension, assuming your Dad had one.

[nmh]

ArmyBrat2006
Since Aug 3, 2006

Looks like your new here ... .

Is this problem for real?

[George Smiley]

Check the VFW website; they have a lot of information about such things if my memory serves me correctly.

Good luck.

[al baby]

Have you been here long enough to meet the Viking Kittens

[mozarky2]

My condolences... best of luck in your search...

[M1Tanker]

Interesting link to the post.

However, contact the VA benefits center under www.firstgov.gov and do some research there. The VA center should help. Sometimes records are lost and must be regenerated (a records center burned down many years ago). I have been in the Army 12 years and am the Army Brat with both parents having served in the military (yes, my mother wore combat boots) and I have not heard of such a case.

Bottom line: contact the VA and understand that "no" means "begin again at one level higher". Also, keep records of all conversations and try to collect up as many hard copies of disability records, medical records, discharge papers, LES's, insurance papers and anything else remotely connected to his service and disability.

Good Luck

[Lovergirl]

Call your Veterans Affairs Officer. He/she will let you know if your Mom qualifies for Widows benefits. Good luck to you.

[K-oneTexas]

Benefits, such as pension, depend on the SRB (Survivor Benefit Plan) which was chosen by the service member (your Dad.) There are four choices, one being service member gets 100% and there is nothing for survivors. Also, the SRB/pension is contingent on the retiree surviving to age 60. He/she must get that first check. If retiree dies before that there is noting other than burial benefit (which isn't much).

I'm not expert in this but facing this decision myself on retirement in a couple of years. You need to check with the branch of service your Dad was in and the VA. I don't hold out much hope on VA doing anything.

[TN4Bush]

Your father would have had a choice on his pension of 100% benefit for himself or Joint and Survivor (J&S) at several levels. If he chose the 100% for himself there is nothing left for a spouse upon death. I know this because my father chose the 100% benefit thinking he would live as long as my mother. Sadly, that was not the case. Good luck.

[stbdside]

You should also check with your local DAV chapter.

[darkwing104]

Did your parents sign up for the SBP after retiring? If you don't know what that means I foresee lighting in your future....

[freedumb2003]

Check in at the FReeper Canteen.

Lots of vets there who can help.