Korea
Korean War: Effects of Frostbite
Veterans who fought in the Korean War experienced extreme cold-weather conditions that caused severe frostbite of the extremities. Veterans, decades later, are still suffering the after effects of frostbite. The Veterans Administration considers the organic residual effects of frostbite to be service-connected.
Apply for Benefits with an Alpha Advocate – Vets Helping Vets
If you think you have a condition that qualifies for Veterans Disability Compensation, the Alpha team can help you get started with your initial application to the VA.
If you do not receive a fully favorable decision from the VA, or you disagree with the percentage given to your disability, we can help you appeal for more.
It can take months, in many cases, years, for the VA to grant benefits. If you think you have a service-connected disability, or need help to prove that you do, the Alpha team is ready to help you.
Contact us to get started on your claim.Note: All representation coordinated by Alpha is provided by our employees, the Advocates, who are accredited by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). No private organization that trains and employs accredited agents has been legally recognized by the VA for the purposes of preparation, presentation, and prosecution of claims. This work must be done by the Advocates themselves and not organizations.
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My dad was in the Korean war and became a diabetic. He was given 10% disability. I know a man whom was diagnosed with diabetes while serving in the Korean war, what can be the difference , he was denied years ago and his records were burned in the famous fire. What would be the reason for his denial, I thought in one of the VFW magazines it said for the fire records there is a presumption of disability for some diseases and one was diabetes. Please, tell me how to help these people who applied 10-30-years ago, it is unjust. Thank You, Marie
Marie, Facts vary for each case. Basically, if a disease arises coincidental with military service, it is considered service- connected. If it is diagnosed after seperation from military service, the evidence must show that something that you were exposed to while on active duty contributed to its development. For example, Vietnam vets were exposed to herbicides (Agent Orange) and this exposure is presumed to contribute to diabetes. So even if a Vietnam vet's records were destroyed by the 1973 fire, the VA would recognize that his diabetes was caused by Agent Orange exposure in Vietnam. We can't really resolve the mystery in your dad's case without knowing particular facts. If you would like us to explore this further with you, we can do that. We'd like to help.
My dad passed away a few years ago, he served in the Navy during Korea and in the early 70's had a stroke which left him bed ridden. Is there a way his children can recieve survivor benifets? Our mother was killed in 74 so there is no surviving spouse. Also do grand children quallify for a part of the survivor benifits?
Brian, Sorry to hear about your dad. Dependency Indemnity Compensation (DIC) is payable to the surviving children when the veteran's death is service connected. For the sake of discussion, let's assume that your father's death was somehow related to his military service. In this case, the dependent child (18 or younger) would be entitled. Children over the age of 18 would be entitled if they were permanently and totally disabled and incapable of self support prior to the age of 18. Otherwise, the children are not entitled.
A person that was on front line during Korean War and has diabetes-- is this a recognizable disability thru the VA. Thank you.
Ginny, Diabetes is a recognized condition and service connection could be warranted. Diabetes Type II(Adult Onset) is a presumptive disability due to Agent Orange exposure for veterans who served in Vietnam or along the DMZ in Korea at certain times during the Vietnam War.
MY father's name was FRANCOIS OMER MODESTIN US 50190497 SP3(TEMP) KOREAN VET died in native panama on AUGUST 11 2008,ACTIVE DUTY 5 OCTOBER 1954-6 SEPTEMBER 1956.WHAT BENEFIT AM I ENTITLED TO? HE HAD A CERTIFICATE OF VETERAN STATUS ISSUE ON JUNE 8 1984 THAT HE DIDNT USE FROM THE HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT. WE RECEIVE NO DEATH ASSISTANCE,NO FANANCIAL HELP WHATS SO EVER. WHO CAN WE TURN TO?
If you are a dependent child of the veteran or if he has a surviving spouse, I encourage you to file a claim for the indemnity compensation benefit if you feel that his death was related to his service in Korea. If you would like our assistance in filing this claim, please feel free to call us or click on the icon at the top of this page and complete the form. You can speak directly with a Veterans Service Representative at the VA by calling 1 800 827 1000 to learn more about burial benefits.
My father served in Korea nd past away in 1982 to cancer. Would my mother be elgible to benifits for assisted living or any other benifits. If so who would I contact. Thank you.
Norm, Your father is considered a wartime veteran, so his surviving spouse would be eligible for death pension benefits. It is an income-based benefit. If she has very low income (less than $7200 total to include SSA payments), she may qualify. To make this application, please call the VA at 1 800 827 1000 or visit their website at www.va.gov for more information.
My step-father, Wendell Jones,was a U.S. Marine who saw extensive combat in the Korean War. He has long had nightmares and drinking issues, and we know not how the War has affected his ability to reach his pesonal potential. I am interested in seeing if there are advocacy services to help him. Thank you.
Ed, the horrors of combat poison the mind. Often these noble combat veterans turn to alcohol to self-medicate trying to drown out these memories so that they can find a moment of peace. It is a emotional wound of war often referred to as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). We assist combat veterans like your step-father everyday. Encourage him to get help at a local VA medical center or Vet Center and encourage him to get in touch with us to get his claim started as soon as possible. His entitlements can open the door for potential benefits for his spouse and dependents.
I have a client who suffers from a combination of conditions, from diabetes to bladder cancer to foot pain caused by frostbite. He served in Korea, and was honorably discharged. First, where can we find a list of presumptive disabilities? Second, are disability benefits income-driven? He married a woman who has SS and a teacher's pension, totaling about $2500 per month. Thanks for the reply.
Ken, The income based program of “pension” is not advisable as his income is too excessive. While there is no presumptive list of disabilities for service in Korea during the Korean War,Korea was extremely cold and there is a possibility that he suffered frostbite as a result of his cold weather exposure. Getting the current disability documented by a reputable physician or through the VA is critical when trying to develop the evidence for a favorable decision. If he would like assistance in filing a claim, feel free to contact us.
i need some help !! my father was diagnosed with ptsd, afetr several years of health issues and given 100 percent, finally after fighting with the va for years! he died, and they would not give my mother the benefits they told my father that she would recieve, which was half of what he got every month! he died of a heart attack, and they say that it was not service related! how can she get help with this, he also had stappnel in his left lung, and they say his records were destroyed in a fire, and diabetie's he had too! he had had cancer removed from his bladder twice, and we had a hurricane here on the coast, and they say they have no records! what can we do??? and can she my mother get some kind of lawyer or help! she is now past due on her appeal after appealing upteen time's, the poor old soul has nothing and they are giving her 478.00 dollars a month to live on! when my father was getting 2670.00 a month! i think some is seriously wrong! oh also he did not have heart prblems, that we know, they had check his heart and all for surgery not even 6 months before he died!
Joyce, We would like to help you. We will try to contact you. Or, you can fill out the online form on this page. Thank you.
My husband was drafted and sent to Korea on the DMZ where he says they sprayed AO. He suffered from Diabetes, Heart issues, Sleep Apnea, and a host of other things. He died on April 4th of 2010. He was scheduled to file for these disabilities on the following Friday before his death. I firmly believe that this is all related. When I told the gentleman that he died he called me one day before his appt. and said he had to caancel and would I call back and reschedule, when I did he was always to booked to see me, said their was probably nothing he could for me. Can you help me?
Leesa, Very sorry about your loss. We absolutely recommend that you discuss the potential of filing this claim with us before the expiration of one year from the date of his death. Time is of the essence here. If the disease or disability that caused or contributed to death can be linked to AO exposure, you may very well be entitled.
if your father had benifits and i was his child by his married wife would i be entitled to get benifits .. i know his other chidren got them , but my mother and he had seperated. was i entitled to those benifits also..
Ms Bee, As the biological child of a disabled veteran you do not lose entitlement to death benefits because your parents separated.
My father was a Korean war veteran and died march2, 2011. My question is that my mother and father seperated in 1978 and had no contact what so ever with each other from that date, is my mother still entitled to any of my fathers benefits?
Donna, If your parents were legally married it certainly is possible.
my father served in korea 1951-1953 has 2 fprms of cancer multiple myeleoma-and colon cancer-diabetes type2 yet he is being denied benefits i know he was exposed to napalm,ddt,white phos smoke,kerosens for heat as well as whatever chemicls used by koreans and the chinese so why isnt he eligible for disability benefits
Pat, The problem is establishing a credible medical link between a condition your father now has to the exposures he had while in Korea. There must also be credible evidence that exposure to a toxic contaminate was the causative agent for the current disability. Though you and your father believe that there must be some relationship to his medical problems and military service, the VA has to have something more substantial for them to legally warrant a service connection. However, given that he served in Korea, it is likely that a claim for PTSD exists. We would like to talk to you futher about how we may.
Question-My father served on the DMZ in Korea and has heard now that due to this specific service the government will pay to cremate his body? Unfortunately he is not doing well so timing is of the essence and has asked me to sort the paperwork asap. He's not looking for any type of ceremony at all, just very frugal and doesn't want to leave us with a bill for his cremation. Has any one heard of this benefit before? Not free funeral service, but the cremation itself being covered? He's had bypass so the local medical school will not accept him "donating" his body. Any info appreciated. Thanks
Julie, Your dad may be entitled to a $300 burial allowance. Eligibility is dependent upon his honorable service and whether he was receiving VA benefits at the time of his passing. If he is a patient at the VA medical center, or if he is getting a monthly check from the VA, he is most likely entitled. We recommend that you contact the nearest VA medical center and talk to a VA employee at the Eligibility Department or the Patient Advocates office. They would be best able to help you at this difficult time.
My Dad is 85 and served in Korea for 2 years. He was frostbitten ad currently has neropthy and very poor circulation in his hands and feet. Is this considered a SC disability?? This information is so helpful but hidden to the aging veterans. They were in extreme cold conditions without the proper protection.
G. Clark, Your Dad's condition can most certainly be service-connected to his exposure to extreme cold in Korea, as explained in this article. If he has not approached the VA for disability compensation he should. We can certainly help him with his claim and would be honored to do so.
My father served in the Korean war and I am wondering if I may be entitled to any education benefits? He has passed. He had honorable discharge in 1956. He received NAtional Defense Service Metal, Korean Service Medal and United Nations Service Medal.
Education benefits are available to a dependent child under 26 years of age of a veteran who was rated 100 percent permanent and total disability from the VA and/or passed away from a disability related to military service. If you think you qualify, you should contact the VA directly at 800-827-1000 to ask about Chapter 35 education benefits.
My Dad is a Korean vet, and has recently been diagnosed with diabetes,throat, and lung cancer. In the past few weeks,he has become too weak to walk to car for Physicians appts, and will have to go to next appt by wheelchair. Someone told me that since he is a vet,that veterans benefits would assist in having a wheelchair ramp built, or would assist in paying for the ramp. Is this true, and if so,how do we get assistance? Thank you for your assistance.
D. Wright, Depending on your father's eligibility status at the VA medical center, he may be eligible for a Home Improvement and Structural Alterations Grant (HISA). You can click here for information or you can visit your local VA medical center Prosthetics deptartment. If you have any problems getting an appointment you should speak with a staff member at the Patient Advocate's office.
Mu husband died last June, 2010. He served in Korea and had a service connected disability of 50% due to Frostbite. Nothing in his death certificate stated that frostbite was a underlying cause.I submitted my claim and was denied DIC. I want to appeal, can you help me? He had PAD and poor circulation also blood clots in his legs. I apprecaite you help. Thank you.
Linda, Sorry for your loss. We may be able to help. The challenge will be in getting a medical opinion that cold weather injuries played a contributory role in your husband's death. Please call us 877.611.7724 if you would like our help.
I received a letter from the VA about a review of claims for hyperuricemia and myocardial infraction for my step father. He was a Vietnam vet who was disabled from diabetes and pancreatic cancer amongst other things ( 2 tours 2 purple hearts) so I'm not sure of his percentage of disability. He passed away June of last year. Am I listed as his beneficiary with the VA ( is this how they have my name) and am I entitled to his retroactive Compensation being his step Son when there are no other benefactors ? Thanks for your help
Richard, Sorry for your loss. Upon the death of a veteran, accrued benefits are paid in full to the surviving spouse. If no spouse, the surviving children are entitled to equal shares. As a stepson you could qualify as a beneficiary and should file a claim for accrued benefits and death benefits.
My husband USMC served in the Korean War 1950-1952. He was at the Chosin Reservoir. He had service connection for frostbite. He passed away last year. I filed a claim for DIC and was denied. I am appealing because they said his death was not service connected. He had many problems with his feet. They were constantly burning, very little feeling, no pulse in his feet. I've researched the Korean War and have found that years later veterans are suffering from the frostbite. It states that Peripheral vascular disease could be related to his frostbite. He had that and it's on his death certiciate. Would I be able to receive DIC if I can prove that years later frostbite could be a contributing factor to his death. THank you
Linda, It is possible. In any event, you should appeal and pursue entitlement. An Alpha advocate can help you make the connection between frostbite and the peripheral vascular disease and cause of death.
My father, served in the Korean war for two years, plus and was discharged, honorable in 1955. In 1957 he married my mother. They divorced in 1983. He remarried twice, both marriages less than 5 years. He passed on April 3 2000. Recent information on VA benefits available leads me to believe my mother is eligible for benefits. How do I determine what forms to complete for her? Donna
Donna, Your mom may not be eligible for Surviving Spouse benefits because of the divorce, but you can get the forms to apply at the VA Web site www.va.gov or call them at 1-800-827-1000.
My mother married my step father when my sister and I were very young. My stepdad served many, many years in the Army. He was even promoted to Sergent. As a child I didnt understand why he was so angry and always drank himself into a stupper. My sister and I were always in fear that one day he would not wake up from all the drinking. If we needed to wake him, we'd yell from the other side of the room. Never ever would we quietly enter the room. I now understand what my beloved stepfather was haunted with, PTSD. He suffered with it everyday of his life. I only wished there was something I could have done. Im not sure if my mother fully understood the horrors in his head, since he never talked about it. They have both passed away, he preceeded her, with an aggressive form of liver stomach cancer on top of other illnesses. My dad went from his medium frame, lean and fit to extremely frail body in a matter of less than 6 months. She was able to collect some benefits before his death. Although my sister and I were not his biological children, (he had none) would we be entitled to benefits! He was our dad as far as we were concerned. He's all that we knew at that time and he did his best in providing for our family. I hope my comment can help the next individual. Thank you for your time. Ester
Ester, Thank you for sharing your story. Perhaps it will help another veteran who may have similar symptoms but not realize that those symptoms could be service-connected. In answer to your question, dependent stepchildren are eligible for dependend benefits up until the age of 18, and dependent educational benefits may extend up to age 26.
My grandfather passed away last year from Glioblastoma. He was on Pork Chop Hill. He often told stories of the lead ammunition residue and the spraying of DDT/Agent Orange while he served. My grandmother was just denied her surviving spouse benefit. We are entering our first appeal. These heros are being disrespected.
my dad died in 2000 of bone cancer his was expose to angent orange i am 47 years old can i file for retoactive benifits as a survivor and only child he had.
Tracy, There probably wouldn't be accrued benefits to pursue. In fact, if is unlikely that there are any benefits for which you would be entitled. However, you can all the VA directly at 800-827-1000 to check on whether there is entitlement to burial benefits.
My father served in the Koren war and is currently is very ill. He has been 100% disabled for over 15 years. He has parkensins, lupus and congestive heart failure. His condition is getting bad really quickly. I'm trying to find out for my mother what we need to do for funeral arrangements. He has no life insurance. Does the VA pay for funeral services? If so what do I need to do to start that process?
Eric Your father's eligibility for VA death benefits depends on your father's VA entitlement, which includes factors of service connected disabilities. We recommend that you reach out to the VA directly at 1-800-827-1000.
Ater 50 years of not being granted disability, due to Korean foot fungus and hearing loss, because all proof of his military service had supposidly been destroyed in a fire, (59?) I began a quest to find his papers. I eventually found them and applied in 2005 for his disablity for hearing loss. He was given credit for the loss, but the VA only went back 3 months. Should I talk with a lawyer about the 50+ years they forgot? I also have proof now why he had so much foot troubles; he was treated in early 50's for foot fungus that almost costed him both feet. Another disability was also overlooked due to the fire and he was turned down for 50+ yrs on home loans, business loans, etc. My mom is needing to know answers because she's the one that endured his pain for 56 yrs. tks
If the veteran is deceased, there is little to gain. The one very small possibility is a matter of accrued benefits, which is a claim that his surviving spouse would be entitled to what would have been paid to him had his claim been decided properly the first time some 50 years ago. In order to raise the issue, your mother should submit a letter to the nearest VA regional office paraphrasing your comments here. The VA will take action and will provide any forms they feel she should complete.
I am retired army, served in the 3rd brigade, DMZ korea 1970-71. I have type 2 diabetes and glaucoma, I filed Feb 2011. I was told that they would use my secondary as glaucoma and could get unemployability, but my rep here said I was not eligable because I was not rated, so I did not sign form. I want it , What can I do and why isit taking so long. they have all documents.