Sgt. Shaft

SGT. SHAFT: More veterans are eligible for VA compensation

Dear Sgt. Shaft: I recently read that many veterans are now eligible for VA compensation as a result of legislative changes that have eased some of the previous restrictions.

March 6, 2012

SGT. SHAFT: A spouse who predeceases a veteran can be buried in a national cemetery

Dear Sgt Shaft: I'm a retired Navy vet, and I understand that spouses may be buried in the same plot at a national cemetery. If my spouse predeceases me, can she still be interred until I pass on?

February 28, 2012

SGT. SHAFT: If you are a disabled veteran, you might be exempt from paying property taxes

Dear Sgt. Shaft: I understand that Virginia now offers a property tax exemption for disabled veterans. What is the procedure for establishing this eligibility?

February 21, 2012

SGT. SHAFT: VA’s automated 800 number lacks personal touch for veterans

Dear Sgt Shaft: I recently called the VA's 800 number and was really frustrated at the time it took to navigate to a real live person.

February 14, 2012

SGT. SHAFT: Veteran’s former spouse asks about benefits

Dear Sgt Shaft: How do I begin to get an exemption/dispute from the 20/20/20 rule? They do happen per individual Dates of Service and Regulation Changes. I was married for 30 years. My husband was on active duty for 22 years. Only 17½ not 20 were overlapping years. I understand that the rules have changed. I was told that if I was married for 20 years with 20 years active duty that I would qualify for former spouse if divorced. How do I start a case requesting Former Spouse Benefits exempting the 20-20-20 requirement?

February 7, 2012

SGT. SHAFT: Will going to a nursing home diminish disabled vet’s benefits?

Dear Sgt. Shaft: I am a totally disabled veteran from service-connected disabilities. If I were to go to a nursing home, will the government or VA take any of the pay I get from veterans or from Social Security?

January 31, 2012

SGT. SHAFT: Does a vet’s widow retain her military ID card privileges?

Dear Sgt Shaft: If one marries a military retiree and he dies, does his spouse retain her military ID card privileges?

January 24, 2012

SGT. SHAFT: Vet’s wife wants to return found dog tags to owner

Dear Sgt. Shaft: I have been searching the Web for some information and found your site. I thought possibly you could help me. We lived in New Jersey for 30 years, and my husband found much pleasure digging with his metal detector at a lake near our home when the dam broke. Among many of the items he found was a dog tag for: William Thomas McClain — 713-07-82 — T644TYPE-O USNR/C. I would like to return his dog tags to him and wonder if you could give me any info as how I could find info on his whereabouts.

January 17, 2012

SGT. SHAFT: Veteran’s widow learns about presumptive diseases too late

Dear Sgt Shaft: I am a 68-year-old widow, and I am looking back over the past years with a lot of great memories: a fantastic husband, who served for 22-plus years in the Army, having had two sons that I could be proud of and a lot of sad memories and regrets, also.

January 10, 2012

SGT. SHAFT: Marine seeks help for fellow homeless veterans

Dear Sgt Shaft: I am currently in the Homeless Domiciliary program at the Coatesville VA Medical Center (CVAMC) in Pennsylvania after getting treatment for PTSD [Post Traumatic Stress Disorder] and other conditions related to my service in Iraq. I am writing you for assistance to help fellow homeless veterans.

January 3, 2012

SGT. SHAFT: All ‘Assured Victory’ print proceeds go to wounded veterans

Dear Sgt Shaft: How can I obtain a copy of the "Assured Victory" print? I hope they are still available.

December 27, 2011

SGT. SHAFT: Where can a veteran go to replace lost medals?

Dear Sgt Shaft: Where can I receive the military medals that I received while serving on active duty.

December 20, 2011

SGT. SHAFT: Vet needs to check whether eligible for Agent Orange compensation

Dear Sgt Shaft: In regard to your recent advice to a vet concerning concerning Agent Orange, enlarged prostate and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are not presumptive conditions associated with this defoliant. If these conditions were diagnosed on active duty, however, then that is another story. Also, any one with boots on the ground is considered to have been exposed to AO for VA compensation purposes.

December 13, 2011

SGT. SHAFT: Blind veteran seeks help from VA

Dear Sgt Shaft: I am a disabled American vet, due to a botched eye operation done in Manila, Philippines (three operations). I have lost the sight in my right eye and have only 20 percent in my left eye. The VA had diagnosed me with blindness, a permanent medical condition, but I can't get any help from them, because I did not go blind while in service or one year after service.

December 6, 2011

SGT. SHAFT: Korean War vet can request missing Army medal

Dear Sgt. Shaft: My husband Vincent was in the Korean War in the 1950s. He is having his Army medals sent to him. The Korean Defense Service Medal (KDSM) is not included with the medals he is receiving. Can the Korean Defense Service Medal be sent to him, or does he have to pay for it. If he has to pay for it, where can he order it on the computer? Thank you for your help.

November 29, 2011

SGT. SHAFT: Vet could be eligible for compensation because of Agent Orange

Dear Sgt. Shaft: I am a Vietnam veteran (era 1965/1966) and, over the years, have developed problems due to an enlarged prostate and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) issues. During my service, I served in An Khe, Pleiku, Qui Nhon, etc., where heavy concentrations of Agent Orange were sprayed. Will I be eligible to receive compensation/benefits because of exposure to Agent Orange?

November 22, 2011

SGT. SHAFT: Are all vets entitled to burial in a VA cemetery

Dear Sgt Shaft: Are all veterans entitled to burial in a VA cemetery? Thanks from an old vet.

November 15, 2011

SGT. SHAFT: Flag presented during burial of veteran is on behalf of the president

Dear Sgt. Shaft: I received an email that said that when the flag is presented to the family at a burial of a veteran, the words of presentation say: ".....on behalf of the Secretary of Defense." Is this true? I am shocked that the words no longer state "On behalf of the President of the United States.

November 8, 2011

SGT. SHAFT: Does ROTC count toward retirement?

Dear Sgt. Shaft: I just read your response (July 30, 2007) to Donald about ROTC [Reserve Officers Training Corps] Summer Camp counting for Civil Service Retirement. My problem is that I do not have pay voucher or orders documenting my attendance. DFAS [Defense Finance and Accounting Services] and ROTC Brigade haven’t been able to help. Do you know where I can get copies of required information? Also, will ROTC Summer Camp count toward reserve retirement?

November 1, 2011

SGT. SHAFT: Vet with renal failure seeks military medical retirement

Dear Sgt Shaft: I was a reservist ( E-7) activated after 9/11 for almost four years to support my units flyers. ... While activated, I was referred to a renal doctor in Alabama and after a battery of tests was told that I had stage 1 renal failure that was later identified as stage 2.

October 25, 2011