Ms. Vicki,

"My VA counselor at the Oakland, Calif. Vet Center won’t tell me where my claim is in the process -- it’s an appeal. Perhaps he dip sixed it. Where can I go for legal help? Thank you! "

SSG

Dear SSG,

 

Thanks for writing me. I called the vet center in my area (not mentioning your name of course). Regarding your appeal, your VA counselor is not the one who would handle this situation. The regional appeals office is one avenue for you to contact. 

The regional office is also in Oakland at 1301 Clay Street Suite 300N. However, the only phone number listed is the main VA number. It’s 800-827-1000. I contacted the main office for more information, and they stated they would help and advise as appropriate, so feel free to contact them also. I hope this helps. Enjoy the holidays and keep in touch and let me know the outcome. 

Dear Ms. Vicki,

"I’m a 74-year-old widow of a Reserve Retired Deceased Coastie and have TRICARE for Life and a military ID and a Survivor Benefit Check each month. [I plan to] marry a WWII veteran who is receiving a military disability pension and VA health benefits.  

"Do I lose my TRICARE coverage if I remarry and do I give up my military ID, and Survivor Benefit check as my fiancé is not a retiree or reservist? Do I receive his pension upon his death?  Please guide me through this and thank you in advance. I enjoy your column and look forward to reading it. 

"Keep up the good work and love and prayers to you and your family and hubby.  I have three sons currently serving in the Army and each has served in Iraq and I wish your husband a safe return. Thanks and God Bless."  

L.G.

Hi Ms. L.G.,

Thank you so much for writing me. It’s good to hear from you. Sounds like you’re living a young and active life…good for you. Regarding what will happen to your current entitlements if you should remarry. To my knowledge you will lose those benefits — the survivors benefit check, the military ID and the TRICARE. 

I was told those are your entitlements because “you are a widow.” If you remarry, then you’re no longer entitled to them. However, please contact the agencies for further clarification. 

The number to Tricare is 877-874-2273; you can also visit their website at www.mytricare.com. Also contact the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) at 800-827-1000 and visit their website at www.va.gov. They have lengthy information about survivors benefits. 

Write me back and let me know the outcome. Thank you so much for your well wishes to my family. I wish you the same. Keep in touch. 

Ms. Vicki