I am very frustrated and scared because  basically I'm in my 3rd appeal for DIC benefits and have been denied twice. 

The main reason the Veterans administration is denying me DIC is because Gary and I  were not married long enough( according to their rules).

Of course there were extenuating circumstances, yet, it seems the VA will not look at that.

All they see is that we were not married long enough.

Gary and I had been together for almost 9 yrs. 

We were married in the hospital a month before he died of cancer.

This happened so fast and we were not expecting him to die.

Gary wanted me to be protected by having VA benefits so I could possibly afford and remain in our own home.

Now I'm in jeopardy of losing my home and my lively hood.

This is my life, my security and my sanctuary. I'm  almost 67 yrs old widow who has worked my whole lifetime and taken care of Gary for the last 9 yrs.

Gary and I had been through a lifetime in these 9 yrs.

Gary was my soulmate!! He was my everything and I was his everything!!

We had been through so much together, including losing my 34 yr old son, his parents, my sister and all of the illnesses he had gone through because of his service in Vietnam.  He survived prostrate cancer, 2 by passes, a pacemaker and a crippling back injury. All due to his service for our  country. 

   Because we are in the state of Washington, the Veterans administration will not recognize common law marriage.  Therefore  they only see that we were married one month.

This is my whole life and my future. I'm sure that I am not the only one being denied these benefits. 

So I am not only fighting for myself but for other widows and widowers who are in the same situation. 

I only want for the VA to see that we are real people who are in real need of benefits that they we deserve; because of the service men and women who served our country. 

I've even contacted Cathy McMorris Rodgers office and they were of no help. She is our congresswoman in the state of Washington. 

I've been searching for help anywhere I can, lawyers, advocates even writing to the president of the United states. 

I hope you will help me to fight this issue so that all people can get what they deserve. 

Janet K Blessing