Sgt. Shaft

SGT. SHAFT: Too late for Marine Reservist to seek benefits?

Dear Sgt. Shaft: I joined the Marine Corps Reserves in 1961 and went to Parris Island in June 1962. Am I eligible for any benefits?

August 17, 2010

SGT. SHAFT: Separation pay regulations still in the works

Dear Sgt. Shaft: Any word on the pending separation pay review?

August 10, 2010

SGT. SHAFT: Airman barely misses early retirement eligibilty

Dear Sgt. Shaft: I applied and was approved for Voluntary Separation Incentive pay, but a 15-year early retirement option was added a year later. Has Congress made any allowances for people in my situation?

August 3, 2010

SGT. SHAFT: Troop’s delayed surgery now expedited

Dear Sgt. Shaft: My friend was scheduled for surgery on his knee, and I want to thank you.

July 26, 2010

SGT. SHAFT: VA expands list of Agent Orange-related illnesses

Dear Sgt. Shaft: Where do we stand now regarding Parkinson's disease being added as a presumptive disorder regarding benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs?

July 20, 2010

SGT. SHAFT: Benefits unlikely for Marine Reservist’s widow

Dear Sgt. Shaft: My husband, who was honorably discharged from the United States Marine Reserves, passed away in 1980. Are there any benefits to which I may be entitled?

July 13, 2010

SGT. SHAFT: Delay in surgery putting troop’s life on hold

Dear Sgt. Shaft: A friend of mine injured his leg in Iraq. The plans to take care of his knee and to get him home keep changing, and it's getting to him and his family.

July 6, 2010

SGT. SHAFT: Sickly son needs better benefits

Dear Sgt. Shaft: My son was diagnosed with ALS. His symptoms developed several weeks after receiving immunizations required by the Air Force.

June 29, 2010

SGT. SHAFT: Decoding dad’s dog tags

Dear Sgt. Shaft: I came across my dad's dog tags and was wondering if you can help me understand the information on it.

June 23, 2010

SGT. SHAFT: Caregiver assistance for veterans

Dear Sgt. Shaft: I am sure, now that the President has signed the Caregiver Assistance package, that there will be an application form posted in several places within the Armed Services.

June 15, 2010

SGT. SHAFT: Helping veterans exposed to asbestos

Dear Sgt. Shaft: Countless veterans are currently suffering from life-threatening illnesses that are a result of exposure to asbestos.

June 8, 2010

SGT. SHAFT: Verifying what caused PTSD

Dear Sgt. Shaft: My husband has been diagnosed with PTSD, but the VA won't process his claim until he can find someone from his company that can verify the incident that caused his illness.

May 26, 2010

SGT. SHAFT: Widow may qualify for Purple Heart benefits

Dear Sgt. Shaft: My husband died April 13 this year after a lengthy illness of heart failure and COPD. One of the ladies at my church told me I would qualify for Purple Heart Benefits. Is this true?

May 19, 2010

SGT. SHAFT: Veteran abroad says he faces bias for federal jobs

Dear Sgt. Shaft: I've submitted more than 100 job applications for government positions. I think the only thing that has stopped me from receiving a job was that I was a veteran overseas and I did not have a high enough preference.

May 12, 2010

SGT. SHAFT: Can widow be buried next to vet husband?

Dear Sgt Shaft: My mother, who is now 92 years old, became a widow 3/4/45 when my father was killed during WWII.

May 5, 2010

SGT. SHAFT: GI Bill benefits extension

Dear Sgt. Shaft, I recently lost my job and I was looking at completing my education to realize that my GI Bill benefits have expired. I contacted the VA and I was told that I could submit a request for an extension.

April 28, 2010

SGT. SHAFT: Mail service for military retirees

Dear Sgt. Shaft: Last year the APO function was moved from the DOD to the State Department. Shortly after that, the State Department canceled mail privileges for all military retirees. This was done without any explanation. By canceling this mailing privilege, it prevents TRICARE Pharmacy from shipping medications to those retired military personnel that live overseas. TRICARE will not ship to foreign addresses.

April 21, 2010

SGT. SHAFT: Retirement from Reserves

Dear Sgt. Shaft, I served a year in Vietnam and was honorably discharged. Seven years later I returned to active duty service as an officer and retired in the Reserves in the rank.

April 14, 2010

SGT. SHAFT: Applying for combat-related compensation

Dear Sgt Shaft: I was medically retired with less than 20 years due to wounds received in combat. I receive 100 percent VA compensation. From what I read in HR 2647 I should receive full concurrent receipt as of 01/01/2010.

April 7, 2010

SGT. SHAFT: WAVES eligible to apply for benefits

Dear Sgt. Shaft: I want to thank you for your well-written article on aid and attendance. Thank you for concise thoughts.

March 31, 2010