Benefits for veterans

By Patricia Nugent

Veterans Day is on Thursday, November 11.

It takes place on 11/11 each year to mark the anniversary of the 1918 signing of the Armistice that ended the fighting on the western front in WWI. This federal holiday gives us all pause to honor military veterans who have served in the United States Armed Forces.

Local attorney Margaret T. Karl, who has always had a fond spot for veterans in remembrance of her grandfather who fought in the Korean Conflict, is one of the accredited attorneys on the VA’s approved list.

“If there is an extended medical expense, I feel a veteran should at least look into applying for benefits, as it’s free,” she says. “It’s also a free service to help a veteran fill out the application. There have been changes to the look-back period that are similar to the Medicaid guidelines that people should be aware of. It’s now a three-year look-back and people should think about that requirement.”

She says she often meets people who don’t think they qualify as veterans, and don’t bother to apply.

“If you served just one day during a combat period, you qualify,” she says.

Margie also works diligently to make sure the spouses of veterans get the benefits they are fully entitled to. For instance, if a veteran is already in a long-term care facility, then their spouse goes into a facility, the spouse can receive benefits. But if a veteran is at home, and his or her spouse goes into a facility, the spouse does not receive the benefits. If a veteran is deceased, the spouse qualifies for benefits.

“There’s money out there that is not being utilized, and that’s heartbreaking,” she adds.

Margaret T. Karl, attorney at law, is located at 25800 North Depot Street, Suite 102, in Olmsted Falls. Office hours are Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Call 440-782-5051 or visit OlmstedOhioLaw.com.