I studied the amount — one thousand, six hundred, forty-four. I imagined the check directly deposited into my bank account each month. Envisioned myself handing a set of house keys to a trusted aide who would bid me goodbye with, “don’t worry about a thing. He’ll be fine.”
Then, I looked at this V.A. eligibility caveat, “Any war veteran with 90 days of active duty, 1 day beginning or ending during a period of war.”
Period of war? Quickly I searched for the descriptions. Here’s what I found of recent conflicts:
World War II. December 7, 1941, through December 31, 1946, inclusive. If the veteran was in service on December 31, 1946, continuous service before July 26, 1947, is considered World War II service.
Korean conflict. June 27, 1950, through January 31, 1955, inclusive.
Vietnam era. The period beginning on February 28, 1961, and ending on May 7, 1975, inclusive, in the case of a veteran who served in the Republic of Vietnam during that period. The period beginning on August 5, 1964, and ending on May 7, 1975, inclusive, in all other cases.
Do you see 1956-1959 in that list? Neither do I. My boyish Tommy, trim in his Air Force uniform, earnestly communicating with his static-filled radio, gung-ho in his military exercises, had served in the wrong war. There would be no $1,644 check slipping monthly into my bank account; no packing of suitcases for the coasts.
Okay, so the V.A. won’t come to my rescue. But, no retreat for this caregiving spouse. I’ll gather ammunition, devise a battle plan, and tramp ahead.
Surrender isn’t an option.
©2012 Elaine Soloway for SeniorWomen.com
Pages: 1 · 2
More Articles
- Where Doctors Are Scarce Nurse Practitioners Step In
- Elaine Soloway's Caregiving Series: Do You Have a Visual?
- How The Health Law Might Be Changed By The Next President
- Elaine Soloway's Rookie Caregiver Series: Take Care of Yourself
- Elaine Soloway's Caregiving Series: Grateful He's a Tightwad
- Elaine Soloway's Caregiving Series: Food and Music - A Perfect Match
- Elaine Soloway's Caregiving Series: Four Times Around
- Elaine Soloway's Caregiving Series: Unpacking
- Elaine Soloway's Caregiving Series: Easy Rider
- Stagebridge: A Performing Arts Camp for 50 and Over
