Veteran Pension Benefit

[PathofAsha]

Don't know how many vets over 65 are on this forum but thought I'd let everyone know of the VA pension program for veterans over 65 who served during wartime for at least 90 days. 
There are income/asset limits and of course, a form to fill out. I'm hoping it might help someone somewhere as the VA doesn't advertise this benefit. You do not have to be disabled or retired. This is for low income veterans.

http://www.veteransaidbenefit.org/eligibility_aid_attendance_pension_benefit.htm

http://www.benefits.va.gov/pension/

 

[DannyB1954]

I wonder how many homeless vets over 65 know about this. With my Social Security and pension I will never qualify, but I am glad it is there for those who can claim it.

 

[PathofAsha]

I wonder how many homeless vets over 65 know about this. With my Social Security and pension I will never qualify, but I am glad it is there for those who can claim it.

I wondered the same thing myself. At least it's a safety net for certain veterans.

 

[LeeRevell]

Unfortunately, my ten years was "between wars". Ah well.

 

[PathofAsha]

Unfortunately, my ten years was "between wars".  Ah well.

Me too. Although I've disputed this fact as we lost many in uniform during the Beirut bombings. Discrimination I say!

 

[DannyB1954]

I am not all that happy about them discriminating against those who later did well in civilian life.
Because of my income I don't qualify for anything even though I took my chances and served during a war.
How is it I didn't pay for benefits? Did those who got out and didn't do well pay a higher price?

Oh well, I make too much money. Anybody feel sorry for me? Didn't think so.

 

[Txjaybird]

I know someone this may help.  Were we considered "at war" anytime during 1992, 1993, & 1994?

Jewellann

 

[PathofAsha]

I know someone this may help.  Were we considered "at war" anytime during 1992, 1993, & 1994?

Jewellann

[font=Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif]Eligible Wartime Periods[/font]

[font=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Under current law, VA recognizes the following wartime periods to determine eligibility for VA Pension benefits:[/font]

• Mexican Border Period (May 9, 1916 – April 5, 1917 for Veterans who served in Mexico, on its borders, or adjacent waters)
  
• World War I (April 6, 1917 – November 11, 1918)
  
• World War II (December 7, 1941 – December 31, 1946)
  
• Korean conflict (June 27, 1950 – January 31, 1955)
  
• Vietnam era (February 28, 1961 – May 7, 1975 for Veterans who served in the Republic of Vietnam during that period; otherwise August 5, 1964 – May 7, 1975)
  
• Gulf War (August 2, 1990 – through a future date to be set by law or Presidential Proclamation)
  http://www.benefits.va.gov/PENSION/wartimeperiod.asp

 

[PathofAsha]

I am not all that happy about them discriminating against those who later did well in civilian life.
Because of my income I don't qualify for anything even though I took my chances and served during a war.
How is it I didn't pay for benefits? Did those who got out and didn't do well pay a higher price?

Oh well, I make too much money. Anybody feel sorry for me? Didn't think so.

As it was explained to me the "benefits" are there for all veterans. 

If you're speaking of VA disability that's not a benefit but a claim against the government for compensation of injury. Think workmans comp. It's not considered income.

If you're speaking of healthcare. Well I'm not sure you want to go to a government facility for that. The military wasn't so good. The VA is worse. It takes many months to get an appointment.

Here's a link to the benefits you're entitled to http://www.benefits.va.gov/benefits/

Stand proud you did well in life! No regrets.

 

[LeeRevell]

[font=Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif]Eligible Wartime Periods[/font]

[font=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Under current law, VA recognizes the following wartime periods to determine eligibility for VA Pension benefits:[/font]

• Mexican Border Period (May 9, 1916 – April 5, 1917 for Veterans who served in Mexico, on its borders, or adjacent waters)
  
• World War I (April 6, 1917 – November 11, 1918)
  
• World War II (December 7, 1941 – December 31, 1946)
  
• Korean conflict (June 27, 1950 – January 31, 1955)
  
• Vietnam era (February 28, 1961 – May 7, 1975 for Veterans who served in the Republic of Vietnam during that period; otherwise August 5, 1964 – May 7, 1975)
  
• Gulf War (August 2, 1990 – through a future date to be set by law or Presidential Proclamation)
  http://www.benefits.va.gov/PENSION/wartimeperiod.asp

Yep, that omits me from the program. First hitch - 1976 -1980.
Second hitch - 1980 -1986.
We bloodied Kadaffy's nose during my second hitch, but that wasn't "wartime".

 

[#1BonBonQueen]

I am not all that happy about them discriminating against those who later did well in civilian life.
Because of my income I don't qualify for anything even though I took my chances and served during a war.
How is it I didn't pay for benefits? Did those who got out and didn't do well pay a higher price?

Oh well, I make too much money. Anybody feel sorry for me? Didn't think so.

I personally believe that it could be done a better way.
But that is just my opinion.  I think it should be done on a basis of "how long were you in service, and if you were injured, then how much injury did you sustain?"
This should be on a basis of consideration of just YOU, not according to what someone else did. 
I know this isn't practical for the Government, as they don't do things that are practical.
But it sure could be done a whole lot more fair, and more people who could benefit from the programs. JMHO.
I don't have all the answers, I just know of people who received a whole bunch of money, for long periods of time, for seemingly non-existent or practically non-existent injuries.  I do know of people who received money unjustly for illness that only existed during the VA hospital visits.
Sharon

 

[IGBT]

Yep, that omits me from the program.  First hitch - 1976 -1980.
Second hitch - 1980 -1986.
We bloodied Kadaffy's nose during my second hitch, but that wasn't "wartime".

I remember that.   Didn't he launch some missiles that went up then fell back down on him?

 

[waldenbound]

I was in the 2nd Marine Division when the Beirut bombings happened. We came within a breath of going to Beirut. But, it wasn't considered a war. The Cold War wasn't a war, even though we stood guard and faced constant threats. Oh, and that country we invaded? Grenada? Yeah, I know someone who was there, got a Purple Heart. But it wasn't a war.

 

[LeeRevell]

I remember that.   Didn't he launch some missiles that went up then fell back down on him?

I had a T-shirt that said it best:
"Libya - 0, Tomcats - 2"
He set his "Line of Death" in the waters offshore of Libya. My little frigate crossed that line many times. Uncle Moamar refused to come out and play. So we never got to fire in anger. Robbed me of "wartime service". Bummer.
He did get uppity later, and Dubya bombed his tent. He kept a low profile after that.

 

[LeeRevell]

I was in the 2nd Marine Division when the Beirut bombings happened. We came within a breath of going to Beirut. But, it wasn't considered a war. The Cold War wasn't a war, even though we stood guard and faced constant threats. Oh, and that country we invaded? Grenada? Yeah, I know someone who was there, got a Purple Heart. But it wasn't a war.

A buddy and I spent several hours sitting on our butts in "The War Room" during that op. We had delivered and installed a SatComm system. We had no idea what was happening, til the lights dimmed, the huge video screen came down over one wall, and a Marine told us, "Sit the F down and keep quiet!" We complied. Had a front row seat to the whole operation. But in a few hours, it was all over. Then we packed our gear and vamoosed back to the ship.

 

[PathofAsha]

A buddy and I spent several hours sitting on our butts in "The War Room" during that op.  We had delivered and installed a SatComm system.  We had no idea what was happening, til the lights dimmed, the huge video screen came down over one wall, and a Marine told us, "Sit the F down and keep quiet!"  We complied.  Had a front row seat to the whole operation.  But in a few hours, it was all over.  Then we packed our gear and vamoosed back to the ship.

My last BF was one of the survivors of the barracks bombings in '83. Was also confused as to why it wasn't "wartime". He did admit the initial mission was a "peacekeeping mission" but obviously that changed. He has multiple heath issues and it took him 32 years to be compensated for his injuries. The BS of it all is astounding sometimes.

 

[PathofAsha]

I personally believe that it could be done a better way.
But that is just my opinion.  I think it should be done on a basis of "how long were you in service, and if you were injured, then how much injury did you sustain?"
This should be on a basis of consideration of just YOU, not according to what someone else did. 
I know this isn't practical for the Government, as they don't do things that are practical.
But it sure could be done a whole lot more fair, and more people who could benefit from the programs. JMHO.
I don't have all the answers, I just know of people who received a whole bunch of money, for long periods of time, for seemingly non-existent or practically non-existent injuries.  I do know of people who received money unjustly for illness that only existed during the VA hospital visits.
Sharon

That is how VA compensation for injury is done.

 

[LeeRevell]

My last BF was one of the survivors of the barracks bombings in '83. Was also confused as to why it wasn't "wartime". He did admit the initial mission was a "peacekeeping mission" but obviously that changed. He has multiple heath issues and it took him 32 years to be compensated for his injuries. The BS of it all is astounding sometimes.

The best we got was an "Expeditionary Ribbon" for serving 90 days plus in a combat zone, in my case, three months, sailing in a circle offshore of Beirut ready to provide "Naval Gun fire Support". We could see and hear arty fire in the hills. But we never fired a shot. We were the last Navy ship to have crew members able to take bus tours in Beirut. Sad, all the bombed out buildings. It was once called "The Paris of the Middle East".
Three days after we left, our replacement ship got to do some shooting. But we got our little ribbon, by Gosh!
Still was never considered "wartime".

 

[PathofAsha]

The best we got was an "Expeditionary Ribbon" for serving 90 days plus in a combat zone, in my case, three months, sailing in a circle offshore of Beirut ready to provide "Naval Gun fire Support".  We could see and hear arty fire in the hills.  But we never fired a shot.  We were the last Navy ship to have crew members able to take bus tours in Beirut.  Sad, all the bombed out buildings.  It was once called "The Paris of the Middle East".
Three days after we left, our replacement ship got to do some shooting.  But we got our little ribbon, by Gosh!
Still was never considered "wartime".

Well it obviously wasn't another day at the office. That's what bothers me. Terrorist attack on military personnel isn't considered an act of war? Come on! I commend anyone who served during that period or in that arena. Thank you for your service.

I would still fill out the form for the pension benefits even if it wasn't during the exact period stated. I would also include your ribbons and an account of the action you saw. There are VFW and DAV offices at the VA to help with any paperwork or processes. It doesn't hurt to try. 

At the very least you can have a cheap meal in the cafeteria. My hot lunch never costs more than $3

 

[PathofAsha]

Link below is provided to help you find the benefits you could be entitled to & apply for them. 

http://www.benefits.va.gov/BENEFITS/Applying.asp