Questions on filling out the forms...totally new at this.

[Ginny]

My mother is 90 years old and needs to be in assisted living as soon as possible.  Her first husband was kia in Germany in WWII.  Her second husband, also a vet from WWII, died in 1984.  Can I apply for A&A under each husbands service?  If so, are they separate applications? She is receiving about $40 per month widows pension from her first husband. She receives some of her medications through Champa.  Other than that, there are no VA benefits being received.  Also....her second husband was married and divorced sometime in the late 30's but we have no idea what the exact date is nor where the marriage and divorce occurred.  Do I need supporting documents regarding this marriage/divorce?  I hate to be a pain, but my father (the second husband) enlisted and was discharged about 15 times from 1938-1965 (includes some Reserve time).  Do I need certified copies of all the enlistments and discharges?  I have his file from St. Louis but they are not certified.  The only way we (my brother and I) heard of A&A benefits was through a referral service when we inquired about assisted living availability.  Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

[vetadmin]

Ginny,

You need to file on your dad's service time.  Dont' worry about the divorce papers from the first marriage unless you have a copy of that.  The hope is that the VA won't press on it since it was so long ago.  You will need their marriage license and a copy of his death certificate.

You will also need his DD-214 which will show all his prior time, but be sure it shows his time during WWII.

Your mom is entitled to expedited processing due to her advanced age.

Use these forums and the site to help you get through this.  Don't fall for anyone who might be trying to "rearrange" your mom's finances as a ruse to file for her.

Glad you found us!