Veterans Corner: Those left behind

By Bobbye C. Jerone / guest columnist

June 09, 2007 12:48 am

— Editorial note: Veterans Corner typically runs on the first Saturday of each month. It is scheduled to be published next on July 7.

The beautiful Memorial Day ceremonies around our area are still fresh in our memories. Unfortunately, almost each of us can name a friend or relative who has made the ultimate sacrifice so that the rest of us can enjoy the freedoms of our wonderful land. Some died long ago in (or from disease or injury caused by) other wars. Some died recently, in our present War on Terror.
But, what about those left behind by these brave warriors who have stood in harm’s way to shield us all? What about their widows/widowers and children? Abraham Lincoln said it best when he said a free nation’s first responsibility is “to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow and his orphan.” We all now seem to spend a lot of time discussing (as we should) our brave fallen heroes. But do we spend enough time thinking about what happens to their survivors after taps has been played and the 21 gun salute has been shot?
Well, our nation does not forget the widow or orphan. In addition to benefits paid to them, or provided for them, directly by the Department of Defense; these survivors are taken care of through programs administered by the VA.
The widow/widower and children are eligible for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation from the VA. To be entitled to this benefit, the veteran’s death must be the result of one of the following:
1. A disease or injury incurred or aggravated in the line of duty while on Active Duty or
2. An injury incurred or aggravated in the line of duty while on Inactive Duty Training or
3. A service-connected disability or a condition directly related to a service-connected disability.
Under certain conditions, DIC benefits can be awarded even though the service connected disability did not cause the death of the veteran. Since DIC benefits are compensation, they are not taxable, and not based on income. The surviving spouse receives a basic payment amount for him/herself, and an additional allowance for each dependent child. Under certain circumstances, parents can also be eligible for DIC benefits.
Widows/widowers and children of deceased, or permanently disabled, service connected veterans are also eligible for educational benefits which can include everything from traditional classroom programs to technical or vocational training-and almost everything in between. Work-study programs and educational or vocational counseling are provided at no cost. VA can also provide specialized vocational or restorative training.
Medical care benefits, through the VA, are also available to survivors of a veteran who died from a VA-rated service-connected disability.
All of these benefits combined, and the others offered by a grateful nation, cannot begin to compensate for the loss of a loved one; but they do help make to make the lives of the surviving spouse and children easier-and let them know they are Not left behind or forgotten. And that is critical!

Bobbye C. Jerone, president of American Legion Auxiliary Unit No. 125, Meridian. She can be reached at (601) 679-5055 or Bvj1101@bellsouth.net.