I-Team Helps Family Receive Almost $20K in Delayed Benefits for Veteran’s Widow with Dementia

CHICAGO (WLS) — A local family worked with the ABC7 I-Team to assist a veteran’s widow, who suffers from dementia, in securing nearly $20,000 in spousal benefits from the Veterans Administration.

Many veterans and their families are entitled to benefits through the VA that help with housing, healthcare and other vital services.

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The Kotarac family said the VA was giving them the runaround after they applied for their mother’s spousal benefits.

Thomas Kotarac was an Army veteran who served in the Korean War. He was honorably discharged, and later died in 1979.

Following the veteran’s passing, his wife Patricia, who battles dementia, became eligible for spousal benefits from the VA. These benefits were crucial as they would cover the costs of her skilled nursing care, a necessity according to her family.

“She has dementia. Legally blind. Hardly can hear,” described her daughter Darice Seraphin. “She required immediate skilled care, progressing from assisted living to skilled care. It was at this point that we could initiate the benefits application process.”

Seraphin sent in the application for her mom’s spousal benefits and learned Patricia was entitled to about $1,500 a month from the VA. That money would cover her nursing home expenses.

Seraphin said she applied for the benefits in late 2023, but the funds never came.

“I started calling the VA on a monthly basis. I was told so many different things, including they couldn’t find her in the computer system, couldn’t find my dad in the computer system,” she said.

She said it was a bureaucratic nightmare and meanwhile they had to pay for Patricia’s skilled care as her mom’s savings dwindled.

“It was so frustrating that at one point I gave up,” Seraphin said. “Nobody should have to wait 14 months for a widow for benefits that she is 100% entitled to. My dad did his part.”

Seraphin reached out to the I-Team, who reached out to the VA and got an immediate response. The VA said they would look into the window’s case.

A spokesperson told the I-Team, “We appreciate you bringing this important matter to our attention. While we are unable to discuss the specific outcome because of privacy, we did contact the family and immediately addressed their concerns.”

Not long after, Seraphin said she got a call from someone with the administration.

“He apologized profusely several times about it taking this long. He said my mom’s money would be deposited within five days,” she said.

And the money came: $19,122 in retroactive spousal benefits. Her mom’s monthly payments have started rolling in as well. Those monthly benefits have allowed the family to pay for Patricia’s skilled nursing care.

The family said dealing with the VA isn’t always easy, but if you have a loved one who fought for this country, you should do all you can to fight for them and their family’s benefits.