Important Deadline Approaching for Survivor's Benefits

H.R. 2297, the Veteran's Benefits Act of 2003, which became Public Law 108-183 on December 16, 2004, restored dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC), home loan, education, and burial benefit eligibility for surviving spouses remarried after age 57 Individuals whose remarriage occurred before this law was passed may be eligible for restored DIC if the following conditions are met:

• The individual attained age 57 before he or she married.
• The individual submitted his or her application for benefits within one year from the date of enactment of the Veterans Benefits Act of 2003 (Last date to apply is December 15, 2004).

This period originally expired February 2004, but the deadline for application was extended to December 16, 2004. The last date to apply is December 15, 2004.

Thinking of Other ... Volunteer Now!

When is the last time you did something that made you feel good? Quite possibly it was when you helped someone simply because that person needed a helping hand. Whether assisting in changing a flat tire, holding open a door for a stranger, listening to a veteran or coworker talk about a problem, or even simply smiling at others while walking down the street, you end up benefitting from selfless interaction as much as the person you help.

Many Americans, just like you, are seeking ways to express their patriotic appreciation to disabled veterans. Take the time to call the DAV Transportation Network and the VA Voluntary Service, and volunteer as a DAV or DAV Auxiliary Volunteer at a VA Medical Center nearest you.

VA Announces Funding for Gulf War Illnesses

WASHINGTON (November 12, 2004) - Secretary of Veterans Affairs Anthony J. Principi announced up to $15 million in additional research funding for Gulf War illnesses.

"We still don't have a definitive cause for Gulf War illnesses," Principi said. "There has to be a reason why some of our veterans came home healthy, while others serving alongside them did not."

Although the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is still examining the committee's detailed, 143-page report, Principi said he is convinced there is sufficient justification for further scientific research.

The funding commitment represents the department's single largest set-aside of research funding for a specific area of investigation and could constitute up to nearly 20 percent of VA's new research grant awards for FY2005. Over the past decade, VA has spent more than $50 million for research into Gulf War illnesses, and much more of that work is still ongoing.

"I appreciate the hard work done during the last two and a half years by my special advisory committee, led by Jim Binns," Principi said. "I know they share my commitment to solve this mystery."

The 11-member committee, formally known as the Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Illnesses, was appointed by Principi in January 2002.

END NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2004

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