Lost A Good Friend On His 64Th B'day

[Philip Rogers]

Need a little help. A good friend died, on Friday, 5/6/11. He served w/101st Airborne(but he was a leg/non-airborne) 3/187 "Rakkasans," and was at Hamburger Hill. I'm fairly sure he was over 10yrs at 100%. Two days after he died the VA awarded him 10% for IHD, back to 5/2010, but no change in comp payment. We have the service and burial of his ashes, tomorrow. Cause of death was pneumonia, secondary to COPD. No autopsy done. COPD wasn't SC but has over 10yrs at 100%. Unfortunately no will or trust - people please do these things now!!! It's easier on the family if they know what you want. And, BTW, we "are" going to die, in case you have any doubts.

I need to help his wife and need to verify what I need to do.

1.) Apply for his final check.

2.) Appeal his IHD for a higher rating and EED. I believe he's a Nehmer claim, as he didn't file. The VA did it themselves.

3.) File a claim for her for 2yrs of whatever he may have had coming, if we can win the EED and increased percentage.

4.) Apply for his VA life ins benefit.

5.) Apply for DIC.

6.) Apply for funeral and burial benefit. Funeral home says maybe $600 max. I say roughly $2300 is due. ???

7.) Request a complete copy of his c-file and medical records.

8.) Anything I forgot???

Thanks to any who respond! He's at peace now and his wife is comfortable with her faith. She knows what happens, happens for the best, even tho we may not agree at the time.

pr

Edited May 13, 2011 by Philip Rogers

[Philip Rogers]

cooter - fyi, the funeral home generally supplies the flag. I worked for a funeral home and that was the policy, there, and I believe it is industry wide.

pr

My condolences pr. and yes, may John rest in peace. This piece of info may not sound like much, but it will in days to come. when my father-inlaw passed and when arrangements for the funeral were finished (at least they thought) they assumed the Honor Guard was going to furnish the Flag. Afew days before the burial is when they found out they either had to order one or buy one. Not a good situation to be in. I'm thinking you already knew this pr, but thought it wouldn't hurt to say it anyway.

[Philip Rogers]

Pete - I thought it would've taken longer but am very pleased with the results. She made an assumption that it was his final check but thinking about it, now, I think it may have been for the funeral. She said it was $2100. We'll have to wait for the written explanation. I'm not sure but I think his final check would be "pro-rated" to the date of his death and should be around $600. He died on the 6th and should be paid 6 days. The $1400 is the current rate paid, for DIC, when the spouse has been married to the claimant, for the 8 yrs prior to his death. I'll update as this progresses.

pr

Once the 10 years is up no matter what the cause of death the surviving spouse shoul get their next check on time. Just my opinion but that said 60 days is wonderful news.

Just a question that I am not sure of does the widow get the Veterans last check since we are paid the next month and would the check for 1400 represent what enhanced DIC is now? The reason I ask is Mrs Pete wants to know.

[halos2]

It is a sorrowful time when one loses a relative or friend. It is helpful when one has a person to help them with the VA and SSA. The Pension will help her, as well as she will now receive his entitlement of his SS versus her most likely lessened amount. She is allowed to keep the last comp check, as I read where you posted she received it. How kind a person and thoughtful you are to honor your friend and his wife during this difficult time. Sorry for your personal loss of your good friend too.

http://elderlyestate...p-veterans.html

Pension allowed and trying to find comp one too...

elderlawestateprobateinjermyhowe.blogspot.com/2010/07/survving-spouse-can-keep-veterans.html is what I found on a googl search. But I can't get it to open without joining...but search it as I did and it comes up. sorry for any inconveniences.

Edited July 5, 2011 by halos2

[carlie]

It is a sorrowful time when one loses a relative or friend. It is helpful when one has a person to help them with the VA and SSA. The Pension will help her, as well as she will now receive his entitlement of his SS versus her most likely lessened amount. She is allowed to keep the last comp check, as I read where you posted she received it. How kind a person and thoughtful you are to honor your friend and his wife during this difficult time. Sorry for your personal loss of your good friend too.

http://elderlyestate...p-veterans.html

Pension allowed and trying to find comp one too...

elderlawestateprobateinjermyhowe.blogspot.com/2010/07/survving-spouse-can-keep-veterans.html is what I found on a googl search. But I can't get it to open without joining...but search it as I did and it comes up. sorry for any inconveniences.

I think she will receive the DIC funds but not pension (from VBA) also, plus her part of his SSA.

JMHO

[cooter]

cooter - fyi, the funeral home generally supplies the flag. I worked for a funeral home and that was the policy, there, and I believe it is industry wide.

pr

Ok thanks for the info pr. I didn't know that.

[halos2]

My computer is going crazy and not posting and reposting sorry.

I mean the DIC not pension for her...

SSA told me if my spouse should die I would receive his SS amount which is a greater amount then mine. I have been receiving my own since 04 and it is SSDI when I turn 66 it converts to regular SS, however because my SSDI is greater then my husband portion, as being a wife, I will continue to receive my own. But they told me when he passes I can request his, as a survivor, and I would get his instead of mine, as the greater amount.

Also U.S. Senator Daniel Akaka ...reminded the law changed in 1996...to guarantee that when a veteran receiving va benefits died,the spouse would be entitled to a payment for the month in which the veteran died...

I think she will receive the DIC funds but not pension (from VBA) also, plus her part of his SSA.

JMHO

Edited July 5, 2011 by halos2