Marine spouse in need of assistance

[navygirlwmarine]

I am asking if anyone can provide assistance to a fellow marine's family when it pertains to residual benefits. My husband was an E-6 at TBS in Quantico, where he was arrested and court-martialed in Dec. 2004. I had a Family Advocate but since I moved away from VA, they have stopped their support. I am a prior service member, which has helped enormously in trying to follow protocol. I have been successful in obtaining transitional compensation for about 23 months, which ended on my husband's EAOS date. My compensation has now been expired since Nov. 2006 and I am asking if anyone knows the reg. that states something about retaining the victim's therapist benefits or can guide me in the right direction. In addition, I also got an extension past the compensation date due to sustaining my marital vows with my husband. I have fought tooth and nail and became my own advocate, but there isn't that much support given to the dishonorably discharged member's family. The Marine Corps initially stated to me that our family was allowed to continue with that benefit but when I talked to Tricare they told me whenever my husband's DD-214 is processed, it will leave our family without any benefits including the victim. I just want to be able to say that I have received all the entitled benefits that is allowed for my circumstance.

[SlingerDun]

I have fought tooth and nail and became my own advocate, but there isn't that much support given to the dishonorably discharged member's familywhat a surprise. what was he convicted for.

[SgtJimc]

I am sorry about your situation, and this is what I would do. I live in Maine as well, and there are alot of resources here for veterans. Call (207) 623-8411 and ask for Veteran's Services. Tell them your story and ask what you are still entitled to. I will say this however, if your husband was awarded a Dishonorable Discharge, you guys won't get anything from his Marine Service. That is pretty cut and dry per the VA. Good luck and take care.

[navygirlwmarine]

I'd rather not say what exactly he perpetrated other than it was a crime against our own family.

[Big Jim]

Ican't inform you 100% but I know who might...in the county of the state you now reside, get hold of the Veterans' representative and ask every question you have pertaining to this subject. You see, I'm not sure, because of a dishonorable discharge is involved, I'm surprised you any benefits at all. But your county VA rep. will know if you have anything more coming to you. They should be listed in the phonebook under "County Services." They'll be able to help you in anyway you need help...I work for them on a volunteer basis...and without having policies right at my fingertips and knowing you entire situation, noone will be able to tell you.. So check with them on this. Hope it helps...good luck.

[navygirlwmarine]

I wish I knew someone who worked in legal or inside the office, so I could browse the dod regs and take the time, however long it took to find it. I know this benefit is still out there for me to obtain.I just need this info.

[SgtJimc]

I wish I knew someone who worked in legal or inside the office, so I could browse the dod regs and take the time, however long it took to find it. I know this benefit is still out there for me to obtain.I just need this info.

Didn't you say you were prior service? You have your own benefits you are entitled to as well. You might want to contact DAV, or The American Legion, or the VFW for possible representation. One of their National Service Reps might be able to help. Good luck and hang in there.

[navygirlwmarine]

I do still maintain benefits, mainly educational and my VA loan. I am currently using my GI Bill and going to college as a 3/4 student. I didn't realize I could use those other agencies to aid in my situation.