Click here: to donate by Credit Card
Or here: to donate by PayPal
Or by mail to: Free Republic, LLC - PO Box 9771 - Fresno, CA 93794
Thank you very much and God bless you.
Posted on 02/22/2026 6:13:22 PM PST by Pocketdoor
I had a friend that "suddenly" passed away at the age of 53. He was an Iraq 1, combat vet, 82nd Air Borne Artillery. I'm gonna escort his wife to a VA appointment. Is there any benefits that you can think of that she can get? He left a 20 and 14 year sons.
|
|
Click here: to donate by Credit Card Or here: to donate by PayPal Or by mail to: Free Republic, LLC - PO Box 9771 - Fresno, CA 93794 Thank you very much and God bless you. |
Did he retire from the military with 20 or more years service ?
The GI Bill is one he might have paid into and it is transferrable to children.
He told me he must have killed 100’s up to 1000’s of the enemy.
Or was your friend receiving any kind of disability from the VA ? If so, his wife may qualify for those payments going forward if he had service related medical issues.
No, he did not retire... he just spent 2 years Active Duty, with combat in Gulf War 1. And got out..
The 14 year old should be entitled to some decent SS payments. Be sure to look into that.
Va.gov is pretty comprehensive. Put in some time.
Much depends on whether he had a VA disability before he died, and whether that disability contributed to his death.
Those can also be adjudged retroactively.
He had tinnitus, but I think 0%. His kids do get a college waiver in CA because of that.
If he served for at least 6 years total, not combat, I believe she can still access things like a VA commasarry.
That’s not much but it is something.
I’ve been wrong before
The most important thing to start with, if not already claimed, is the burial allowance (up to $2,000 if service-connected death, or $300 otherwise). He may also be eligible for a headstone/marker, presidential memorial certificate, and flag. There are also other possible reimbursements for funeral costs.
If possible, bring these key documents to the appointment: Service records like his DD-214 (discharge papers), proof of marriage (marriage certificate), birth certificates or other proofs for the 20-year-old and 14-year-old sons (including their Social Security numbers), the death certificate, and any recent income statements for the household. Having these ready will help speed up the process.
At the appointment, ask specifically about service connection for the cause of death. Even if it doesn't seem obvious right away, Gulf War veterans (including those from Iraq 1) have expanded presumptive conditions under VA rules and the PACT Act. These cover things like certain undiagnosed illnesses with cardiovascular signs/symptoms, respiratory issues, or various cancers potentially linked to exposures like burn pits or other Gulf War hazards. If the death might relate to something like heart problems, sudden cardiac events, or another condition that could be presumed service-connected, push for a thorough review—it could make a big difference in unlocking benefits.
Thank you for helping her. God bless you.
Thank you, Good info.
And all the Good info from everyone else too.
The widow should make several copies of the DD214. Besides the VA, a VA cemetery will also require the DD214, and of military honors, the VFW, American Legion, and several other veterans organization provide that. The Post Office for the flag also requires the DD214 - the flag is free.
Depending on what he died of she may be entitled to something from the VA since he did not retire nor does it sound like he was 100% disabled.
Start here and read this webpage. It will give you a good start
The VA doesn’t base benefits on a scorecard.
You should contact a Veterans Service Officer immediately. VFW. American Legion. DAV, etc.
Did he even serve a full hitch? If not, what kind of discharge did he get?
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.