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

[Berta]

This is great and these types of DIC claims SHOULD go fast.

The only thing that a direct SC death might benefit her with is this-

I am assuming the past 100% P & T award for ten years rendered her CHAP 35 and CHAMPVA at that time.

The Chapter 35 entitlement could have run out by now ? ?? not sure there but a direct SC award would potentially alter that to a better entitlement date for Chap 35 DEA for her and any potential other dependents.

Or maybe her new DIC award letter spells that out clearly.

GREAT WORK Philip!!!!!!

[Philip Rogers]

Berta, the award stated she was entitled to Chap 35, ChampVA and MWR card. He was over 10yrs, P&T, w/TDIU. I almost believe this starts a new Chap 35 award. Not sure but should she decide to use it, we sure will find out. I am very pleased they processed it so quickly. Kudos to them!!!!

John, they should pay his funeral expenses up to around $2300, I think. We'll find out soon enough.

Thanks, all!

pr

[Berta]

"How Much Does VA Pay?

Service-Related Death. VA will pay up to $2,000 toward burial expenses for deaths on or after September 11, 2001. VA will pay up to $1,500 for deaths prior to September 10, 2001. If the veteran is buried in a VA national cemetery, some or all of the cost of transporting the deceased may be reimbursed.

Nonservice-Related Death. VA will pay up to $300 toward burial and funeral expenses and a $300 plot-interment allowance for deaths on or after December 1, 2001. The plot-interment allowance is $150 for deaths prior to December 1, 2001. If the death happened while the veteran was in a VA hospital or under VA contracted nursing home care, some or all of the costs for transporting the veteran’s remains may be reimbursed."

http://www.cem.va.gov/cem/bbene/benvba.asp

[Philip Rogers]

Thanks, Berta!!! We'll just wait and see.

pr