How does 1 reconcile being administratively denied VA dependent benefits of a 100% Service Connected Vietnam Era Soldier?

PO3 Aaron Hassay — Fri, 18 Jan 2019 16:57:50 -0500

I always qualified as a Vietnam Era Veteran Dependent Child. I never would see one benefit. I applied, after my 26th Birthday (the VA cut off limit age for DEA) when my father was discovered a Vietnam Era 66-68 11 LIB Soldier. He was found VA Service Connected 100% SC Permanent Total. I was denied with No Waiver. The law assumes I actually knew my dad in the age cut off limit of 26. The law assumes I made a conscious effort and did not apply for my benefit. The reality is quite different. My dad was injured in my childhood, there were stints of homelessness as kid, no VA support then or now, as a dependent. I just wanted to go to school as his son when I found out I actually finally should feel proud to be the son of a Veteran myself. That's not to mention my own 8 Yr SAM Sea Air Mariner reserve enlistment did not qualify for VA support benefits because although honorable and 5 years assigned to a FFG, and a sea service ribbon etc etc, I was never given orders of 2 years full time service. I was only notified after service and in need of support that the VA did not consider my enlistment for veteran benefits supports unlike all the other 200 plus sailors on the FFG who had USN or TAR enlistments.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 18 at 2019 5:31 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 18 Jan 2019 17:31:54 -0500

Your VA claim has been denied. What exactly are you asking?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 18 at 2019 6:10 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 18 Jan 2019 18:10:24 -0500

What exactly are you asking? Can you not go to school, or feel proud to be the son of a Vietnam Vet if you aren’t getting certain VA benefits?

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 18 at 2019 8:54 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 18 Jan 2019 20:54:24 -0500

You can consider reconciling it by understanding it wasnt personal, rather, it was simply the application of the law that there is a cut off. This would be similar to those Veterans whose children turn 26 while they appeal their determinations, only to finally be rated 100% P&T.
I don't know enough about the SAM to opine on that part.
I will posit that if you were paid, there is a record of pay and accompanying orders somewhere that would support any AD time. However, AD time doesn't guarantee much support from the VA, and you haven't specified what support you believe you're entitled to from your service. Plenty of experience and knowledge on here, though. Doesn't hurt to clarify.

Response by SP5 Peter Keane made Jan 19 at 2019 1:48 PM

SP5 Peter Keane — Sat, 19 Jan 2019 13:48:48 -0500

I have 3 children, 2 born not long after I returned from RVN. The 3rd was 22 by the time I finally was rated 100% while the first 2 were already in their 30's. The youngest received an allowance. I am pretty sure that I am not the only VN Vet with this type of family age difference. If waivers were granted to all in this type of situation, the VA would be unable to provide services to the veteran.