hypertension The White Envelope Came!

[Julie2]

B) Julie2

Hi All, the white envelope must have come yesterday in the mail. I just got it, and wanted to let Berta, JRW, and whoever else I was talking to about my Husbands Death. He was Service Connected with Hypertension 20%, he was RVN 23 years service, he died June 10th 2009. Death from "Coronary Artery Atherosclerosis" after 8months tommorrow, I have just been granted DIC, chaper 35, I guess ck will follow. Thank you all for your comments, as I was sure I was gonna have to wait and re-file under the Ischemic Heart Disease, but, they did me right, I'm 52years old been on unemployment since last May 1st and have been trying to get a job, but, I have run into alot of "Age Discrimenation" out there, so, at least I know for the rest of my life, my bills will be paid. Thank-You God, my Husband and the USA and all of you as I was really stressing out, and on my last nerve, so I want to thank-you all for being so supportive. I probably should have put this in the "Sucess Stories" but, this is where I found you all, so once again Thank-you all.

[JRW]

You deserve everything you can get. God bless!

[carlie]

Julie 2,

Great news !

I am sure your husband would be glad

that these benefits were granted and

you got to be rid of some stress by

gaining this security.

carlie

[Berta]

This is wonderful news, and it didnt really take that long for them to award.

You should certainly be eligible for CHAMPVA-did they mention that in the award letter?

I got my CHAMPVA notice a few weeks after my initial DIC award.

Also you might get a letter from Gold STtr Wives asking you to join.

Unless things have changed GSW is the only organization that VA contacts when a survivor receives DIC.

Champva and CHapter 35 are great benefits.

[Berta]

I need to ask- with 23 years of his military service-I assume you do not get SBP?

(or if you do has anyone explained the SBP -DIC offset to you?)

I mentioned CHAMPVA but wonder if you in fact would get Tricare due to his retiree status?

[Julie2]

B) Julie2

Thank you everyone, one question though, I see they did not mention in my letter anything about "Buriel benefits"??? I know I applied. Also, yes I have had TRICARE since last Aug. it is absolutely wonderful health Ins. Also, SBP, ex-wife got half his pension, so, he never put me on, I can only figure now, that he knew the DIC benefits would pay more than his half of Pension that he got, as I know I asked him a while back and he said that for what the cost was that it wouldn't benefit me. Guess he was right, and never talked about it again. Just didn't figure I needed to talk about it anymore, as he was only 58 years old when he passed. But, if anyone could advise me on the Buriel benefit I would appreciate it, I do go see the VA Rep tommorrow so guess he will tell me. I got the Chapter 35 to information. At least I don't have to worry about Unemployment running out now, my bills will be paid!! Thank-God.

[Berta]

Julie- the Burial application should have been part of your 21-534 form.

If not-the rep should have the form you need.

Although my burial app was in my C file I think I had to send them another one when I got my award letter.

I got the funeral- burial award money last week-they needed a copy of the paid funeral bill.

These claims are sent to Phila VA for payment and they don't take too long once a SC death award is made.