Veterans’ Widows Benefit from VSO’s Assistance

Veterans’ surviving spouses can often benefit from VA-guaranteed benefits and additional assistance. Just before Christmas when temperatures dropped to near 0°F, for example, a housebound, oxygen-dependent widow’s pipes and water meter froze in an exterior furnace closet. 

A Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) veterans service officer (VSO) was able to help. He quickly arranged for the town’s water department to replace the damaged meter and restore water service. The VSO also helped coordinate cleanup through the widow’s homeowner’s insurance and disaster recovery experts.

The same VSO helped another surviving spouse apply for and receive dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC) that month. As a result, she will no longer have to struggle to pay bills, afford medications or buy groceries.

Contact a VVA Veteran Service Officer to assist with your claim in states that have a benefits program here, or search for a VSO from another organization through the VA’s website in states where we do not. Enter your ZIP code or city and state, and you’ll see which VSOs serve your area.