My Dad died August 10, 1983. He was a Vietnam Veteran and his wife at the time received a death benefit. Her kids also received the benefit and they were not his biologically. I am his only Biological child and I was wondering if I would still qualify for the death benefit? I received nothing from his death. Not even keep sakes. I thought about calling the VA but I was wondering if it would do me any good?
SS, if this is your biological father, and you were adopted, then no, you aren't entitled to anything.
Is that just speculation Jennifer or have you actually had to deal with death of a parent that was a veteran?
You mentioned "His wife at the time..." Where were you? Actually I don't think you have much of a chance. Seems like you might have said something to the VA, if not when it happened, then in the twenty years since you became an adult.
Well Clif if I knew at the time he had passed maybe that would be the case. But Since I just found out this weekend from my Grandmother a benefit was paid out to his wifes kids it kinda ****ed me off. They were not his bioligically and he did not adopt them.
been thru this recently... We were entitled to nothing but we were over the age 18... http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/dependents/child.htm
No, I haven't personally had to deal with it, but I'm willing to bet you dollars to doughnuts that you have NO rights or entitlements to anything he would have had. You were legally adopted by another couple. His rights as a parent were severed, and your rights as a surviving heir are just the same. If you were able to get any of his benefits, it would flaw the entire adoption system. But a phone call has never hurt anyone. You could call, but they are going to tell you the same thing.
