[taylor111947]

I have been working with the VA to understand what my benefits are as a surviving spouse (my husband was a Vietnam Vet). It's all very confusing to me, but I figure a lot of you have experience and can help me.

I understand I qualify for a VA Loan - although it might not be possible to use it if I buy a new house in TV. I'm not sure if I understand the difference between a Conventional and VA loan.

I also understand I qualify for medical benefits. Can someone explain how that works?

Are there other benefits that I might be eligible for?

I'd appreciate your comments.

Thanks.

[quidam65]

First, condolences on the loss of your spouse. I applaud him for serving our country.

The issue with the nonacceptance of VA loans in TV involves new homes. Under a VA loan, certain closing costs which are normally paid by the buyer (you) are shifted to the seller. Since TV development will not pay for any closing costs that it is not required to pay by law, that is why they do not accept VA loans. But this does not apply to pre-owned homes in TV -- unless the house is owned by TV development in a foreclosure, you're dealing with another homeowner who may be agreeable to such.

[bluedog103]

If your husband was a 100% service connected disabled veteran you would qualify for medical benefits under CHAMPVA. Otherwise, probably not.
The best thing for you to do is contact a Veterans Counselor to verify any benefits to which you are entitled. They are available at VA facilities. Many counties also have Veterans Service Agencies with a staff who can answer your questions and help with paperwork.

[FMF Doc]

I agree with BlueDog. If your husband was a member of the VFW or VVA etc. contact his post and ask to speak to the service officer. Most VA Clinics and Hospitals will also have reps from the various Veteran's organizations. Speak to them as they are the advocates for veterans and their survivor for benefits.

[pauld315]

If your husband was retired military then you are eligible for medical benefits through TriCare. You didn't state if he served enough time to retire.

http://www.military.com/benefits/vet...efits-overview

[army one]

Call The American Legion 352-750-2099. Ask to have the Post Service Officer call you. He will be happy to assist you. If he doesn't have the answer, he will get it for you. It doesn't matter if your husband was a member or not, The Post Service Officer will assist you.

[Bryan]

The Veterans Service Office located in the Sumter County Government Annex Building has always been very helpful and very proactive in assisting vets and their families. Go by to see them. BTW, they just moved from The Villages Government Annex Building (Morse and CR 466) to the "new" Sumter County Government Annex Building on CR 466A near the Wildwood City Limit. That move was literally within the past week or so and I understand CenturyTel is having problems getting everyone's new phone working properly so you may be unable to call them on the phone for awhile.

On a related, but slightly different subject, the new VA Clinic near Mulberry Grove Recreation Center on CR 42 in The Villages is Open (kinda, sorta, mostly). They too are having CenturyTel problems in that their entire phone system seems to be non-functional at the present time. No one can call them to change an appointment, reschedule, etc. and the VA Hospital in Gainesville seems to be unsympathetic and won't help you out either.