I've been getting different suggestions/answers from different AL places that we've visited, on whether or not my mom can receive benefits through my dad's military service.
He was in the Navy from 1950-1953 with an honorable discharge. They married in 1957 and divorced in 1988 (both in California). He died in 2001. I was under the impression that since he served before they married, she was not entitled to VA benefits.
Thanks!
These young men were drafted in 1970 out of high school, meaning Vietnam or 2 years in JAIL. They walked 5 miles through a hot jungle every day for almost 18 months, on "ambush patrol." They saw their friends and innocent children killed right in from of them. But they don't qualify for anything until they hit age 65, after spending 20 years in the military. After that, it takes years submitting forms that are rejected constantly.
I'm a Colonel's daughter, and I will say with conviction that the VA is a national disgrace. Illegal immigrants got more benefits in California (my state).
Sorry, but that is my personal experience.
I would contact your local Veterans Assistance Commission and ask.
What you would need to bring (if you have it) is your dad's DD214 (discharge papers) If you do not have that his Social Security information,.
You could go to the VA website and see if the information is there.
I think not being married during service time has to do with pensions and you have to be in the military 20yrs to receive a pension. Best bet is to call your County VA office. You will need his typed discharge papers. My Dad left his paperwork in the envelope they were in when he received them. If you don't have them, they will be able to look them up.
Good luck.