KimB

How wonderful you all are. I came here to find out about benefits but received so much more. I have been so lost because honestly I don't think anyone who tries to help you after a loss understands how it feels to lose your soldier. I married Robert when I was 24 and he was 39 so it had been years since Vietnam. I knew he was special when I married him but the next 21 years showed me that he was much more special than I ever could hope for. To the veterans who answered, thank you just isn't enough. It's my goal to use my education benefits to finally get my Masters and work with servicemen and women in anyway I can help the most. For now, does anyone know a forum or somewhere I can go to talk about the pain I'm having from losing my soulmate. I am so lost and so sad and scared. Of course, you're stuck with me here for benefits help..lol I don't want to take away from others who need help. Sorry for rambling... ;) Hugs, Kim

I can't express how much all you have said means to me. I feel so bad about even asking about money but my Robert deserves it and I know he wanted me to have it. I believe he knew his time on earth was short and he worried about me being cared for when he left. I am comforted by the fact that I gave up a good career to stay home with him. He and our daughter and granddaughter were/are my world. If our girls weren't here, I would have gone with him. Hearing about your strength gives me hope. I'm sorry that you have a story to share because it means your love(s) are gone but I thank you for being here. To the veterans that answered, thank you for everything. I'm crying too hard to say more. I just want you to know how grateful I am that you all took the time to reach out to me. Hugs, Kim

Thank you all for your responses and thank you SSGMike for bringing this here for me. I've applied for DIC and gotten the "we've received your claim" letter. His cause of death is Ischemic congestive cardiomyopathy , coronary artery disease. Significant conditions contributing to death Type II Diabetes. He was 90% total, 50% PTSD and the rest different % related to diabetes. I never could understand the ratings. In December 2007, he applied for IU and aid and assistance. We had to find these on our own. His VA rep never told him about this even though he had been receiving Social Security for disability from diabetes related illnesses since 2001. The VA asked for additional information on January 11, 2008. We mailed it on January 26, 2008. My husband died in my arms the next day. I tried so hard to save him. Should I wait to get an answer from the VA before I file for accrued? Thanks again, Kim