What to do a survival spouse who got denied benefits?

Kim Smith — Tue, 30 Jun 2020 16:51:22 -0400

I'm a survivor spouse widow and my husband served in Vietnam and he passed away of pancreatic cancer I was denied benefits because they say it wasn't military related so I appealed and is waiting on to hear back on the courts to a decision it has been almost 4 years now and I haven't heard anything yet but I was wanting to know how to deal with this matter I can't believe how long it takes what to expect my family are facing possibly losing our home .

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 30 at 2020 5:09 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 30 Jun 2020 17:09:50 -0400

The benefits are payed out if the death is deemed related to service. If his cancer was not deemed related to his service, you do not qualify for the benefits unfortunately. Sorry for your loss.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 30 at 2020 5:22 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 30 Jun 2020 17:22:57 -0400

Kim Smith Your best bet is to contact a VFW or DAV Veterna Service Officer and ask for their assistance.

https://www.va.gov/disability/eligibility/hazardous-materials-exposure/agent-orange/related-diseases/

Learn about certain cancers and other diseases we believe are related to Agent Orange exposure (called

Response by SGT Lenise Hamilton made Jun 30 at 2020 8:45 PM

SGT Lenise Hamilton — Tue, 30 Jun 2020 20:45:52 -0400

Ms. Smith,
You might want to make contact with a DAV representative, or, a VFW representative at the Veterans Hospital, it should not have taken this long in order to get a decision on your husbands benefits. It
sounds like they may have buried your application under someone's desk and it's collecting dust as well. Make contact with the above mentioned, explain your situation to them. I wish you all the best,
don't give up......

Response by SPC Richard Zacke made Jul 3 at 2020 9:40 AM

SPC Richard Zacke — Fri, 03 Jul 2020 09:40:14 -0400

Kim Smith Was your husband disabled and if so how much? He he was 100% VA disabled you automatically get 50% of his monthly award. He he is under 100% contact the American Legion National HQ and ask if they might be able to help you. Good kuck and I will ask around for you, if I hear something else I will contact you. I have a friend on this site that maybe able to help you his name is SGT Robert Pryor he may be able to help.