VeTALKX: Survivors Together - Memorial Day Q&A. Ask Questions Now!

RallyPoint News — Mon, 01 May 2023 11:20:40 -0400

*** We’ve reached capacity for questions and comments for this event ***

The Department of Veterans Affairs and our community partners, to include Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), American Red Cross Military Veteran Caregiver Network, Blue Star Families, and Elizabeth Dole Foundation will be here to answer questions about survivor resources, benefits, caregiver support, memorial affairs, and mental wellness.

You can ask questions to the following people:
» COL Les' Melnyk - Chief of Public Affairs, National Cemetery Administration, VA
» Sgt Christopher Vidaurre - Senior Program Manager, George W. Bush Institute
» Melissa Comeau - Director, Military and Veteran Caregiver Network, American Red Cross
» RDML Ann Duff - Director, Office of Survivors Assistance, VA
» Marianne Delatorre - Community Engagement Manager, Elizabeth Dole Foundation
» Sgt Ed McEvoy - National Outreach Specialist, VA Vet Center
» Caregiver Support Program Team - Caregiver Support Program Office Team, VA
» Allyson Bowers - Team Lead, Code of Support
» Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS)

Response by Maj Kim Patterson made May 1 at 2023 11:23 AM

Maj Kim Patterson — Mon, 01 May 2023 11:23:09 -0400

Can you discuss staffing regarding mental health and MST please? Thank you,

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made May 3 at 2023 8:29 AM

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL — Wed, 03 May 2023 08:29:07 -0400

thanks for sharing

Response by SGT Ruben Lozada made May 8 at 2023 2:54 PM

SGT Ruben Lozada — Mon, 08 May 2023 14:54:03 -0400

Good afternoon. Excellent post. Thank You for sharing this.

Response by SGT Augustus Pisano made May 9 at 2023 12:17 AM

SGT Augustus Pisano — Tue, 09 May 2023 00:17:27 -0400

If a veteran is permanently and totally disabled at 100% and in that capacity for 10 yrs or longer, and then passes away, is his spouse eligible for compensation

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2023 6:00 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 10 May 2023 18:00:31 -0400

Veterans spouse needs home care assistance and bathing, dressing etc

Response by SGT James Guise made May 10 at 2023 6:18 PM

SGT James Guise — Wed, 10 May 2023 18:18:28 -0400

What do I have do to possibly of getting my wife getting on listed for a care giver. I ask this I am a stroke survivor and I require more care on doing simple task. I have paralysis on my right side, due to a stroke and I am falling quite ofen and I have trouble do simple tasks.

Response by 1stSgt Marshall McCleese made May 10 at 2023 7:32 PM

1stSgt Marshall McCleese — Wed, 10 May 2023 19:32:15 -0400

Can my wife receive payments in place of a care giver since she has been taking care of me for the last 4 years

Response by MSgt Larry Holeman made May 10 at 2023 8:20 PM

MSgt Larry Holeman — Wed, 10 May 2023 20:20:03 -0400

Do caregivers for vet get any sort of pay. Does VA help to pay toward nursing home cost for a vet and or their spouse?

Response by PO2 Eric Ritzheimer made May 10 at 2023 8:39 PM

PO2 Eric Ritzheimer — Wed, 10 May 2023 20:39:12 -0400

My father was a decorated Korean Vet, who passed about 20 years ago from Alzheimers. Now my mother is getting Alzheimers and I need to know if there is any type of financial help or caregive availabler for her in the Pasco county, Florida area?

Response by MSgt Jeffrey Mann made May 10 at 2023 8:47 PM

MSgt Jeffrey Mann — Wed, 10 May 2023 20:47:13 -0400

I am a veteran with stage 4 cancer. I've done 46 rounds of chemo. We applied for my wife to be my caretaker and we were denied? Why? Do I have to be dead first???

Response by LCDR Greg W made May 10 at 2023 9:47 PM

LCDR Greg W — Wed, 10 May 2023 21:47:45 -0400

Is a spouse eligible for any benefits for a disabled vet after he dies? Is there a minimum disability % necessary for the spouse to get benefits? Does the death have to be related to the disability?

Response by LCDR Greg W made May 10 at 2023 9:48 PM

LCDR Greg W — Wed, 10 May 2023 21:48:47 -0400

How do I access the meeting on 5/25?

Response by AB Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2023 9:55 PM

AB Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 10 May 2023 21:55:38 -0400

As a veteran, do you provide cremation services?

Response by Diane Freel made May 10 at 2023 10:06 PM

Diane Freel — Wed, 10 May 2023 22:06:59 -0400

Remarried after veteran husband dies

Response by PFC Jesse Cantu made May 10 at 2023 10:17 PM

PFC Jesse Cantu — Wed, 10 May 2023 22:17:02 -0400

I am a 77 year old 100% Disabled Marine with no family. I sure could use some housekeeping help around my house and also to check up on me. There are days

Response by SSgt Gil Perez made May 10 at 2023 10:27 PM

SSgt Gil Perez — Wed, 10 May 2023 22:27:32 -0400

I have a question about domestic partnership. I am a disabled veteran in a state recognized domestic partnership with my girlfriend of 20 years. My question is, is she eligible for any type of survivor benefits? Thank you.

Response by CPL James Silva made May 10 at 2023 10:51 PM

CPL James Silva — Wed, 10 May 2023 22:51:24 -0400

I use to be a caregiver for my dad and I entitled to any back pay for the time I've cared for him?

Response by SPC James Alfaro made May 10 at 2023 11:03 PM

SPC James Alfaro — Wed, 10 May 2023 23:03:02 -0400

I am 100% Permanently Disabled Veteran. Vietnam. Is my wife eligible for benefits if I am deceased? If she is how does she claim these?
Thank you for hosting. Important & valuable information. Very appreciated.

Response by Lorraine Covell made May 10 at 2023 11:06 PM

Lorraine Covell — Wed, 10 May 2023 23:06:41 -0400

I am trying to,sadly, plan for our/my future for my disabled veteran who has Alzheimer’s. He currently receives disability compensation. What advice do you have for surviving spouse - are we eligible for any benefits?

Response by LCDR Douglas Matheson made May 10 at 2023 11:14 PM

LCDR Douglas Matheson — Wed, 10 May 2023 23:14:42 -0400

What do I have to do to arrange for a military burial at Miramar Cemetery in San Diego when I pass on?
Thank you,
Doug

Response by PO3 Truth Akins made May 10 at 2023 11:33 PM

PO3 Truth Akins — Wed, 10 May 2023 23:33:22 -0400

How does a family member become a caregiver of a veteran family member?

Response by SGT Larry Bostic Jr made May 10 at 2023 11:58 PM

SGT Larry Bostic Jr — Wed, 10 May 2023 23:58:47 -0400

It is my understanding that in order for a spouse to receive spousal benefits, the Veteran had to be at the 100% for hypothetically 10 years. Do those years count when you are 100% Unemployability or not till you are 100% fully service connected, not just Unemployability? How many years must the veteran be at 100%, what is the survivorship amount and does the death of the Veteran have to be due to one of the Veterans service connected disabilities?

Response by Hope Brown made May 11 at 2023 12:14 AM

Hope Brown — Thu, 11 May 2023 00:14:19 -0400

My father served in the Marines and retired after 21 years. He never received his 100% even though he should've been awarded it years before he passed. But he never got it and passed away three days before his appointment. He didn't have my mother on his page too, so she gets nothing even though they were married for over 50 years. Will she still qualify for any of the care giver benefits, since she is in need of care at 90 years old?

Response by PO2 Peter Levine made May 11 at 2023 12:19 AM

PO2 Peter Levine — Thu, 11 May 2023 00:19:38 -0400

I get a small monthly disability benefit for tinnitus related to my Navy shipboard service. Will my spouse continue to receive in case of my death. The payment is around $160./ mo. Thanks, Peter Levine, [login to see] (uS Navy, 1961-1968).

Response by CAPT Marion Bowman made May 11 at 2023 12:34 AM

CAPT Marion Bowman — Thu, 11 May 2023 00:34:04 -0400

I am a 79-year old retiree and am the 100% caregiver for a seriously ill spouse. Do you have any caregiver suggestions.

Response by SPC Norman Kauftheil made May 11 at 2023 12:53 AM

SPC Norman Kauftheil — Thu, 11 May 2023 00:53:15 -0400

are vet entitled to compression garment?

Response by SP5 David Durand made May 11 at 2023 1:49 AM

SP5 David Durand — Thu, 11 May 2023 01:49:34 -0400

Can you talk about the end of the widows tax.

Response by SP5 David Durand made May 11 at 2023 2:27 AM

SP5 David Durand — Thu, 11 May 2023 02:27:43 -0400

Can my wife be my care giver.

Response by CA John Heidenreich made May 11 at 2023 5:54 AM

CA John Heidenreich — Thu, 11 May 2023 05:54:16 -0400

How can I fi d out about survivor benefits

Response by PO1 Jose Bayona made May 11 at 2023 5:59 AM

PO1 Jose Bayona — Thu, 11 May 2023 05:59:16 -0400

I retired from the US NAVY after 20 years of service. I'd continue my career with the Department of Agriculture. I'd retired one and a half years ago, to become a full time caregiver of my wife of 37 years.

Response by PO1 Jose Bayona made May 11 at 2023 6:04 AM

PO1 Jose Bayona — Thu, 11 May 2023 06:04:57 -0400

What home aid resources are out there for a retired veteran taking care of my wife full time?

Response by Diana Workman made May 11 at 2023 6:06 AM

Diana Workman — Thu, 11 May 2023 06:06:27 -0400

My husband was over 50% disabled. He died in 2013 and I was told I couldn't get any of his disability. Why.?? I took care of him till his death. I find this unfair.

Response by PFC Steven Scotti made May 11 at 2023 6:54 AM

PFC Steven Scotti — Thu, 11 May 2023 06:54:56 -0400

I served my country as a reservist on an 8 year plan starting before I was 181/2 years old I applied for health benefits and was told I didn't spend enough time on active duty.I spent 6 months on active duty plus 2 weeks on active duty during the summer I was on call for the Vietnam war but never called. This so called country of ours can find money for ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS and everything else under the sun but not for me who was born and raised here and who SERVED our country. What a bunch of BS

Response by SSgt Andrew Turner made May 11 at 2023 8:28 AM

SSgt Andrew Turner — Thu, 11 May 2023 08:28:49 -0400

I'm a service connected disabled veteran (100%). Are there any benefits or monies for my spouse if I die first?

Response by Yamile Castro made May 11 at 2023 8:32 AM

Yamile Castro — Thu, 11 May 2023 08:32:49 -0400

My late husband was a veteran and he was diagnosed with cancer that spread throughout his body. He was about to sign up with the VA but he passed away before he could do so. As his widow, do I receive any survivor benefits?

Response by Amn Fred Ball made May 11 at 2023 8:40 AM

Amn Fred Ball — Thu, 11 May 2023 08:40:40 -0400

I have a seventy percent disability, am I eligible for caregiver

Response by Deon Bell made May 11 at 2023 8:40 AM

Deon Bell — Thu, 11 May 2023 08:40:53 -0400

My veteran is 100 % t.p. mentally and in 2019 he went into a manic state. He was able to have me removed as p.o.a. and fiduciary even with his mental state clear to anyone who spoke to him. We lost so much because the bills weren't paid and he is out there blowing money and I am struggling to keep the house that was almost paid off. I took care of this veteran for forty three years and he's been mental the entire time but yet the veterans admin keeps denying me the court ordered alimony for four years now , last time denied me saying we were divorced never even bother to read the name on the divorce papers to see he had sent the ones from his first marriage. denied me because you sent me the wrong form and didn't even tell me and then denied me based on the time had ran out to file, denied me based on hardship on the veteran when i asked for half his benefit. He needs to be in a nursing home under supervised care he is considered dangerous he has been convicted of threatening my life over money. He is wanted for contempt of court in that he won't pay the court order and now owes me over fifty thousand in back pay. Why when a veteran is mentally ill does the veterans admin allow him to handle his own affairs , drive a vehicle , attack people several times over and not confine him for the safety of others ? this veteran is able to seem normal but if stressed has as documented NO IMPULSE CONTROL NONE ! I have been attacked , law enforcement has been attacked , our children have been attacked , hospital v.a. staff has been attacked , dav vol was attacked verbally to the point the office won't even help me for fear of him .. he has thrown things at me in stores and hit an elderly lady right now he's spending hundreds on weapons he is allowed to have and i am living off food stamps and a small social security check wondering if i am going to make it every month just to have enough to eat don't know what the question was it doesn't show but these are mine

Response by MSgt Patricia Hulslander made May 11 at 2023 9:50 AM

MSgt Patricia Hulslander — Thu, 11 May 2023 09:50:27 -0400

What is available to help the wife of a veteran (22 years) when the wife takes care of veteran at home? I am trying to help my husband get disability (agent orange and other) - why does it take so long to hear back about disability? How do I access this talk?

Response by PFC Donald J made May 11 at 2023 10:45 AM

PFC Donald J — Thu, 11 May 2023 10:45:34 -0400

Please make the information more available and helpful. Some veterans are aging and want to make it as easy as possible for their loved ones when they die.
What benefits are available for funeral and burials? Grave markers etc?? Please make it simple for us to help our loved ones

Response by Doris Brown made May 11 at 2023 10:59 AM

Doris Brown — Thu, 11 May 2023 10:59:18 -0400

Why does the Spouse of a deceased Veteran at 50% disability compensation rating receive zero percentage when the veteran passes away? Married 43 years at the time of death and I was the only person taking care of my late husband. The VA sure didn't assist me. I lost my home and had to relocate and try to find an apt in the middle of a housing crisis. I HAVE NOTHING.

Response by CN Glen Rogers made May 11 at 2023 11:04 AM

CN Glen Rogers — Thu, 11 May 2023 11:04:10 -0400

Will this information be presented in the future? I will not be available to attend at this time an want so to know and hear of all availability. Glen Rogers [login to see]

Response by Sandra Altsman made May 11 at 2023 11:10 AM

Sandra Altsman — Thu, 11 May 2023 11:10:48 -0400

Is anyone doing anything to connect colon cancer to agent orange?

Response by CDR Michael Leeny made May 11 at 2023 11:24 AM

CDR Michael Leeny — Thu, 11 May 2023 11:24:56 -0400

I am a retired Navy Commander and I have a question regarding Survivor Benefits.
Please let me know who I would direct my specific question to as I have an issue with DFAS at the present time.

Response by HN Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2023 12:25 PM

HN Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 11 May 2023 12:25:43 -0400

My husband was 100% disabled for 3 years . He was supposed to get these benefits in 1984 but VA lied that they could not find his medical reports which burned in 1973 fire. We found his records thru congresswoman in 2016 from National Military Center . VA did not go back to 1984 to his original claim for PTSD and all many other problems after 3 plane crashes. He died in 2022 and I was told I couldn't get any of his disability since he was not 100 % disable for 10 years . Why.?? I took care of him till his death. I find this unfair. How to find a good lawyer to fight with VA ?

Response by A1C Craig Brookey made May 11 at 2023 12:28 PM

A1C Craig Brookey — Thu, 11 May 2023 12:28:47 -0400

What are my Veterans Benefits with regard to burial? I'm not ready yet, just checking so my son will have that information. Thank You

Craig D. Brookey
AF19838825

Response by LT Robert Cox made May 11 at 2023 12:41 PM

LT Robert Cox — Thu, 11 May 2023 12:41:25 -0400

I am a veteran, turn 79 next week. My wife is almost 75. I may need a part time caregiver in the near future. How do I qualify?

Response by PV2 Kevin Ballard made May 11 at 2023 2:11 PM

PV2 Kevin Ballard — Thu, 11 May 2023 14:11:02 -0400

I am a recent surviving spouse of Kevin, are there any benefits for help with housing repairs?

Response by SGT Sarah Duncan made May 11 at 2023 2:57 PM

SGT Sarah Duncan — Thu, 11 May 2023 14:57:52 -0400

My husband recently passed away. He was a veteran but not a retiree. I was hoping I could get some questions answered.

1. CH 35 - Explanation benefit for our children. I currently have a Junior in college, a Senior in high school, and a soon to be Freshmen in high school. Any and all information is welcomed.

2. Vet Benefits - Also, my husband was in the process of getting his medical records reevaluated to for his disability rating. Can I continue the process for him? If so, how?

3. Spouse Benefit - Are there any benefits available to me as a spouse.

Response by MSgt Janice Trojan made May 11 at 2023 4:04 PM

MSgt Janice Trojan — Thu, 11 May 2023 16:04:15 -0400

I don't remember if I enrolled to watch this? How can I check?

Response by MSgt John Corley made May 11 at 2023 5:24 PM

MSgt John Corley — Thu, 11 May 2023 17:24:45 -0400

As a 100% disabled veteran, does my wife have any benefits after my death

Response by Tracy Palmer made May 11 at 2023 5:51 PM

Tracy Palmer — Thu, 11 May 2023 17:51:03 -0400

I've been waiting for months to get Survivor Benefit (SBP) . The forms including requested information has been submitted. It's verified the case is in the system. I can not get a person to answer my questions about the Status. I have been told I will have to wait for approval, again its been months.
I need an advocate . The process is failing, there is not a solution.

Response by HN Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2023 6:34 PM

HN Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 11 May 2023 18:34:19 -0400

there are any benefits for help with housing repairs.

Response by Sgt Robert Anchors made May 11 at 2023 7:33 PM

Sgt Robert Anchors — Thu, 11 May 2023 19:33:32 -0400

How is it my wife doesn't qualify for the
Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers?

1. The wife and I are both vets.
2. I am rated at 80% with TDIU. (PTSD/IBSD)
3. The wife lives with me continously.
4. My wife quit her job some time ago because she was afraid of me
either intentionally/unintentionaly injuring myself.
1) I deal with thoughts of suicide on a weekly basis and
have done so for years. This has been continously discussed
with my mental health provider for years.
2) I have been in a psych ward at least 6 times since 1991.
3) When my PTSD symptoms are triggered I can lose consciousness.
This has happened before when in public and on my own. At those times
I require assistance to finish what I was out for and return home.
4) When under to much stress I can halucinate / react to the halucination.
5) I push myself doing physical things on a daily basis to try to
stay connected with the here and now. I will often overdue this to the
point of being physically ill. My wife continously checks on my condition
to make sure I am ok.
6) I go through periods of disassocition. This varies between me freezing in place
wherever I'm at (store,hospital...) while believing I'm actually moving to
becoming like a passenger in my own body not being able to control what I'm doing.

However the VA claims I don't need support/assistance for 6 months. No I've needed it for years
now and will going needing it for years. My wife is literally afraid to leave me alone to go out
on her own. So maybe someone can answer my question.

Response by CAPT Phil Savage made May 11 at 2023 8:54 PM

CAPT Phil Savage — Thu, 11 May 2023 20:54:31 -0400

"will be here to answer questions" ... where is "here"? In person or virtual?

Response by SP5 Jesús Zamora made May 11 at 2023 10:34 PM

SP5 Jesús Zamora — Thu, 11 May 2023 22:34:47 -0400

Is a surviving spouse eligible for her husband’s disability pay upon his/her passing?

Response by SP5 Jesús Zamora made May 11 at 2023 10:38 PM

SP5 Jesús Zamora — Thu, 11 May 2023 22:38:59 -0400

What % of disability is required fur a person to be eligible for VA medical benefits? Does VA provide medical care for all areas of need? How does one decide whether to use VA medical care instead of Medicare to which the veteran is paying premiums? Will a surviving spouse be eligible for VA medical care?

Response by A1C Alfred Bolch made May 11 at 2023 11:14 PM

A1C Alfred Bolch — Thu, 11 May 2023 23:14:43 -0400

How far back is one eligible for survivor benefits? My father was a POW in WW2, and passed away about 10 years ago. Am I eligible or is it too late or relevant?

- Alfred Bolch, Jr
[login to see]
[login to see]

Response by A1C Alfred Bolch made May 11 at 2023 11:17 PM

A1C Alfred Bolch — Thu, 11 May 2023 23:17:26 -0400

How far back is one eligible for survivor benefits? My father was a POW in WW2, and passed away about 10 years ago. Am I eligible or is it too late or relevant?
- Alfred Bolch, Jr

Response by Cpl Tony Tan made May 12 at 2023 2:14 AM

Cpl Tony Tan — Fri, 12 May 2023 02:14:17 -0400

How do I become a caregiver for my husband with PTSD and BC benefits

Response by Cpl Tony Tan made May 12 at 2023 2:21 AM

Cpl Tony Tan — Fri, 12 May 2023 02:21:27 -0400

How I can become a Caregiver for my husband with PTSD and get compensation

Response by Marilyn Tomasso made May 12 at 2023 8:23 AM

Marilyn Tomasso — Fri, 12 May 2023 08:23:38 -0400

Do all my benefits, ChampVA, husbands disability pay, caregivers pay after he dies or has to be it in a home?

Response by AN Andrew Alexander made May 12 at 2023 11:05 AM

AN Andrew Alexander — Fri, 12 May 2023 11:05:47 -0400

My husband is a Navy Vet, has PMR, I can not keep up with his needs I am 80, is there help in any way for me?

Response by Sgt Daniel Meenan made May 12 at 2023 2:32 PM

Sgt Daniel Meenan — Fri, 12 May 2023 14:32:33 -0400

i AM THE DISABLED VET AND ALSO THE CAREGIVER FOR MY WIFE WITH ALZIMERS. WOULD I QUALIFY AS A CAREGIVER?

Response by Sgt Daniel Meenan made May 12 at 2023 2:38 PM

Sgt Daniel Meenan — Fri, 12 May 2023 14:38:37 -0400

I am the disabled vet and also the caregiver for my wife with Alzheimer's. Would I qualify as a caregiver?

Response by Connie Dungan made May 12 at 2023 3:48 PM

Connie Dungan — Fri, 12 May 2023 15:48:07 -0400

What are Caregiver benefits and who can qualify to receive them?

Response by Sgt Dale Hasman made May 12 at 2023 6:54 PM

Sgt Dale Hasman — Fri, 12 May 2023 18:54:12 -0400

Can my spouse be my caregiver and receive benefits?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2023 7:02 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 12 May 2023 19:02:02 -0400

! was in the Army Reserves from 1964 through 1970. During Viet Nam conflict. Serving 6 months active duty and 5 1/2 years Reserves. I look into the Vertern cemetery for myself and wife. They're telling me I don't qualify.

Is this correct??

Response by Kathy Willerson made May 12 at 2023 7:52 PM

Kathy Willerson — Fri, 12 May 2023 19:52:49 -0400

Can you tell me if you are eligible to get compensated after your loved one passes away?I was the care giver for my dad for 3 years after my mom passed away.My dad was a war veteran of the Korean War.He passed away 7-22-2021 and I have almost had a nervous breakdown trying to settle all this in my mind.

Response by PO2 James Bowling made May 13 at 2023 4:52 PM

PO2 James Bowling — Sat, 13 May 2023 16:52:34 -0400

I am a navy vet with asbestos in my lungs.I get a disabilty income will my wife of 40 years get it when I die?

Response by PV2 Luis Alvarez made May 14 at 2023 3:11 AM

PV2 Luis Alvarez — Sun, 14 May 2023 03:11:45 -0400

My husband is a Korea veteran and saw action. He was injured in the shoulder during his service, but not in action. He now also has hearing & memory problems. He feels that filing a claim is wrong & taking advantage of our government benefits for veterans. He is 95 & I know he is entitled to something even if it is only health coverage. He currently is covered by Kaiser, but I can only get him to go once a year. We started the process of going to the VA years ago but did not complete it because they said we made too much money to qualify. Can this be correct? My husband's name is Luis Arrieta Alvarez and he served. in 1950,51 or 52. He was just a private. Our email is [login to see] ad my name is Marcy Phillips Alvarez. Thanking you in advance for your response and attention to this inquiry.

Response by FN Robert Hibble made May 16 at 2023 9:50 AM

FN Robert Hibble — Tue, 16 May 2023 09:50:13 -0400

Please provide access information to this webinar.

Response by SPC Larry Peterson made May 16 at 2023 1:47 PM

SPC Larry Peterson — Tue, 16 May 2023 13:47:56 -0400

i am checking to see if i am eligible for caregiver service.my wife has dementia and i am looing for assistance if possible.

Response by Cpl Evan McNeeley made May 16 at 2023 2:13 PM

Cpl Evan McNeeley — Tue, 16 May 2023 14:13:55 -0400

Hi! I was wondering if there are any additional Federal or VA Groups that assist 'caregivers.'

I help my Mom... she is 80 ...I am not paid but she needs it. She is on Medicare not Medicaid and I do not believe Medicare would cover paying me. I put in 20-40 hours a week of cleaning, cooking and maintenance. Being paid would be great but I will continue to do it for free if I cannot be.

I have an account with the NY Caregiving Portal powered by Trualta (New York Office for the Aging) and just recently joined 'Rally Point.' 'Trualta' is an excellent company and service and 'Rally Point' seems so as well.

Belonging to 'caregiver support' groups has already helped me feel more secure in my role as well as providing great information. I will join more groups as they come up and might actively seek out a way to receive compensation somehow. Again, I will do it for free but there have been many advertisements listing that a person can be paid for assisting loved ones (only through Medicaid though).

Response by CPT David Gowel made May 17 at 2023 5:40 AM

CPT David Gowel — Wed, 17 May 2023 05:40:03 -0400

Thank you so much for joining us. I have some questions about survivor benefits for service disabled veterans who have dependent parents. So first, I found the link below that indicates financial need as an eligibility criterion for a parent to become a disabled veteran's dependent, but it's not clear about what that threshold actually is to qualify. It just says "The parent’s income and net worth meet certain limits, as defined by law." What is the relevant language in this law to determine the financial eligibility threshold? Also, if the disabled veteran passes away before their dependent parents, do those benefits change and if so, over what time period? Thanks so much! https://benefits.va.gov/BENEFITS/factsheets/misc/DependentParent.pdf

DependentParent.pdf

Response by Sgt John Aycock made May 17 at 2023 10:40 AM

Sgt John Aycock — Wed, 17 May 2023 10:40:19 -0400

I am a veteran of Air Force 78yo...My wife 82yo has dementia..I am greatly worried about survivor resources & benefits and how to prepare in advance in case I pass..She has no other caregiver but me...Do you really give some benefits for caregivers...They are very, very expensive ?

Response by PO2 Harold Reeves made May 17 at 2023 6:00 PM

PO2 Harold Reeves — Wed, 17 May 2023 18:00:09 -0400

I served in Navy fro 1970-1974. Am I eligible for these benefits?

Response by Jazzyjess R made May 17 at 2023 7:01 PM

Jazzyjess R — Wed, 17 May 2023 19:01:53 -0400

My husband was a Army Veteran and passed away in 2018 due to 9-11 illness related cancer. There's no way to know if it was due to urn pits but either way i need to know what my son is entitled especially for college to in regards to benefits. (he was army national guard)

Response by Jazzyjess R made May 17 at 2023 7:21 PM

Jazzyjess R — Wed, 17 May 2023 19:21:59 -0400

my husband passed away in 2018 due to 9-11 illness (lung Cancer) he was at the site for (111 days)and not sure if he got it from burn pits either way how do I find out what benefits is my chid entitled to other than Tricare

Response by Sara Chase made May 17 at 2023 7:59 PM

Sara Chase — Wed, 17 May 2023 19:59:22 -0400

I was the full-time caregiver for my vet father until he passed away. I had to give up my career to care for him. It also affected my health. Are there any survivor benefits for me as his family caregiver, or, as his daughter? Please advise.

Response by SPC Roger Bara made May 17 at 2023 8:46 PM

SPC Roger Bara — Wed, 17 May 2023 20:46:34 -0400

Can my wife get any benefits for taking care of me

Response by SN William Robertson made May 17 at 2023 9:00 PM

SN William Robertson — Wed, 17 May 2023 21:00:47 -0400

I am a 100% disabled veteran due to agent orange. Is my wife eligible for any assistance taken care of me. I have COPD and I am blind in my left eye. I depend on her for a lot of help.

Response by CPL Ismael Nicaragua made May 17 at 2023 10:09 PM

CPL Ismael Nicaragua — Wed, 17 May 2023 22:09:47 -0400

When can I expect my caregiver support program claim resolved?

Response by Debi Brown made May 18 at 2023 12:46 AM

Debi Brown — Thu, 18 May 2023 00:46:09 -0400

I’m a widow of a deceased Veteran who was 100% Military Related Disabled and his cause of death was Military Related. VA says they take care of the Widows❓ Why do we receive just a % of their Compensation. You loose a SS Income. ChampVA with the prescriptions are not allowing that much discounts on their Medications ( paying a % ) turns out to be a lot out of out of pocket expenses monthly. Very few of the Medications qualify for free. ETC. After my husband passed away after all the expenses are paid. A large % of Income dropped. ( When my husband came home from Hospice ) VA paid for only 3 hours a day when he needed 24 hour care. So I had to pay the other 21 Hours of CNA care. ( Reducing my savings which was going to be our retirement money we had saved. ) This left me without a lot of our / my savings gone. Loosing all the above income leaves me very short of income for the future. My biggest misunderstanding about VA is paying only 3 hours of care daily on a Vietnam Veteran with a rating of
100% Military Related. I don’t feel that was fair for in a life and stress on the spouse. It’s the worse time in your life. Your wanting to be their 100% giving all your love and attention to your love one who was your life ( married almost 50 years ) your having to worry how much of our money having to cover for his care. When he was in Hospice they paid 100%. I know it was my choice to bring him home to be around his love ones and die in a familiar setting. I know the cost staying in Hospice would have been a greater expense for VA than reimbursing me only 3 hours of his care. I don’t think that was caring for the Veteran for the sacrifice he served in the Army for our country. No one told me VA would pay 100% of his hospital, nursing home, and Hospice care. I found out when he was going into a specialty care ( wound Hospital ) I has use 99 days and I had no ideal how I was going to pay for anymore of his medical expenses. The admitting staff member asked me why VA wasn’t paying for his medical expenses, it was a covered by VA. VA’s Social Worker ( no body told me this important information ). Sorry for me releasing my frustration on to whom ever reads this ( if it is read ) If my questions are chose to be included, I’m sure you can say what I said above in a lot less words.

Now I’m having to deal with PACT and claims that we’re rejected or the diagnosis that are now a covered expense. I lived in FL and was close to a VA hospital but since my husbands death I’ve move to a rural area in NC and I feel completely lost not knowing what to do

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made May 18 at 2023 10:03 AM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 18 May 2023 10:03:52 -0400

a. Describe differences between the Caregiver program versus Housebound and Aid and Attendance?
b. How are theses programs funded and approved (i.e., VBA vs. VHA)?
c. Is there a VA dashboard to track Caregiver claims by VISN and approval rate?

Response by SPC Matt Ovaska made May 18 at 2023 11:48 AM

SPC Matt Ovaska — Thu, 18 May 2023 11:48:52 -0400

When will the VA hospital close so we can get the proper care we need from the private sector?