OCR Text |
Show Veterans News (This is the second of two articles art-icles outlined basic eligibility requirements re-quirements for all major benefits bene-fits that VA administers for peacetime veterans, their dependents de-pendents or beneficiaries.) Special Homes For Paraplegics A veteran of war or peacetime service with a permanent-total, service-connected disability due to a spinal cord disease or injury which results in paralysis of the legs and lower part of the body, may qualify for Federal aid to acquire a home specially designed for wheel-chair living. Eligible veterans will receive a Federal grant of 50 percent of the cost of the home or a maximum maxi-mum of $10,000 with which to buy or build a new home, or to remodle an existing home for their requirements. The grant also may be used to pay off the indebtedness on such a special home already acquired. Guardian Service Incompetent peacetime veterans, vet-erans, their minor dependents and incompetent beneficiaries are entitled to protection of their estates derived from benefits paid by the Veterans Admintra-tion Admintra-tion under Acts of Congress. Such protection is provided by the chief attorneys of VA regional re-gional offices-in accordance with state and federal laws and VA re'gulations-acting under the direction and supervision of the Guardianship Service of the VA solicitor's office. The chief attorneys maintain supervision over guardians appointed ap-pointed by state (probate and county) courts, as well as legal cutodians recognized by VA in their respective jurisdictions. Peacetime veterans, their dependents de-pendents or beneficiaries who beleive they are eligible for any of these benefits should check their entitlement with the nearest VA office. Burial Benefits Funeral and burial expenses, up to $150, are payable by VA in the death of certain peacetime veterans. The veteran must have been receiving compensation at he time of death, or must have been discharged or retired for disability incurred in line of "certain additional expenses, such as transportation for the remains, are payable for such veterans who die in a VA expense, ex-pense, or while travelling at VA expense to or from a VA hospital, home or regional off- 1Cpavment is made only to the-undertaker the-undertaker or to the person who paid the expense involved. Claims must be filed within two years from the date of permanent perman-ent burial or cremation. Under certain circumstances a peacetime veteran, discharged other than dishonorably, may be buried in a VA cemetery. These cemeteries are small plots maintained main-tained adjacent to some VA homes and hospitals. Burial Flags An American flag to drape the casket, which may be retained as a memorial by the next-of-kin, is supplied in the death of certain cer-tain peacetime veterans. The veteran must have been discharged dis-charged under conditions other than dishonorable after serving a full enlistment, or for disability dis-ability incurred in line of duty. Such flags are issued upon application, ap-plication, by VA field offices, and thoss fourth class post offices off-ices located in county seats. Dtath Compensation The widow, children and dependent de-pendent parents of decreased peacetime veterans may qualify for compensation where the veteran's vet-eran's death was due to service. A widow loses her entitlement upon remarriage. The child loses entitlement, normally, upon reaching age 18. Monthly amounts vary according accord-ing to the number and relationship relation-ship of the dependents. Examples are are: widow, no children, $600: one child alone, no widow, $46.40; one parent, $48. Corresponding rates where death is due to extra-hazardous service are $75. $58, and S60. Appeals The Board of Veterans' Appeals Ap-peals is available for rendering final decisions in all cases appealed ap-pealed to the Administrator of Veterans Affairs, wherein a claimant clai-mant has been denied benefits to which he claims entitlement. The Board of Veterans Appeals has no original jurisdiction : its f appeals, v-t s pendents or V fhould make the i0 he same office V' their original cyheret |