When my husband passed away. . .
Quite often, because of some medical information that was not documented on the veteran’s death certificate, the surviving spouse are told that they don’t qualify.
When my husband David passed away from a military service-connected injury, his death certificate was medically accurate, but it left out critical information that would have entitled me to Veteran Administration survivor spouse 100% benefits. In the absence of that information my claim was denied.
One of the first steps we took was to contact the responsible physician or coroner. Often these physicians never had to amend a death certificate and find themselves reluctant to sign the paperwork, and who can blame them!
Thankfully, a VA advocate from the Office of Military & Veterans Affairs knew it was legally possible to amend my husband’s death certificate and assisted me in the process. The denial of VA benefits—which I was rightfully entitled to—would have been devastating loss to my financial stability. Thankfully, it was averted due to the VA advocates knowledge on how to help me and my family.
Legally Amend
Death Certificate
The good news? You can legally amend a death certificate and win an appeal of a survivor benefit denial. Not only did I do this for myself, I’ve helped many surviving spouses get their rightful benefits (see News article bellow). I’ve also trained VA officials, physicians, and I can assist anyone with the authority to sign a death certificate.
Few doctors, lawyers, or benefit administrators understand how to legally amend a death certificate, many have never had to do one and we can understand their uncertainty. However, failing to do so can greatly harm surviving spouses and dependents.
It becomes a life-changing, overwhelming reality for these family’s already facing the loss of their loved one, but also now they stand the chance to face homelessness without qualifying for the legal surviving spouse benefits.
* I met a surviving spouse who received a denial letter in regards to her husband a WWII veteran. He had sustained service related injuries when serving in Germany and France, but that information was never documented on the death certificate. After I worked with this surviving spouse, she was able to qualify 100% within 4 months. The information was always there, but she had struggled for 2 years from receiving that denial letter until I was able to assist the Veterans Affairs representative with the documentation.
This is just one of the many reasons why I’m ready to teach you the critical steps necessary to amend a death certificate. It's legal, it's life-changing, and most importantly, our soldiers and their surviving spouses have earned this privilege by the many sacrifices they made serving and protecting our country!
Can I Decline
to Sign...
As the certifying or attending physician, coroner, or medical examiner, you are obligated to respond to the request for the amendment. Neglecting to do so can lead to legal complications. Also, if for whatever reason you chose not to make the amendment, I can guide you through this process. One way or another, you are legally bond to respond as the certifying attending physician, coroner, or medical examiner.
* I helped another surviving spouse who had been denied benefits because of missing
information not documented on the Death Certificate. Her husband died of pneumonia and prior to his passing 10 years earlier he had been diagnosis by the VA Hospital with a service-connected disability that would otherwise qualify her. That’s when the Veterans Affairs Sergeant Major Representative reached out for my assistance. I then proceeded to contact the responsible physician asking to confirm the diagnosis documented in the medical records years prior. The physician denied signing the paperwork on the sole bases that “he didn’t feel comfortable doing so.” When I explained to the physician that he could decline by filling out the correct paperwork, he was more than willing to sign the form. This allowed us to proceed and continue with reviewing this surviving spouse qualifications.
Due to COVID, it took over 3 weeks to accomplish this one simple task of many. Meanwhile the surviving spouse was facing the possibility of losing her home, her car as well as Medical coverage for her own medical conditions. She was dealing with all of these life challenges at the same time while grieving for the loss of her loved one. The good news is that after working for 8 months diligently with all parties involved, this surviving spouse was granted and qualified for 100% benefits.
- "understanding the legal process of making an amendment to a death certificate" is our specialty, and our track record show.
What
Qualifies Me!
I have over 20 years working with doctors and medical practitioners.
Assisted many retired Veterans and Surviving Spouses accomplish tedious task to qualify for their VA Benefits. Helped develop protocols, policies and procedures for companies and hospitals throughout the country. Worked in collaboration with organizations such as Department of Public Health (DPH), American College of Radiology (ACR), law enforcement agencies, licensing bureaus to comply with states and city ordinances requirements. Experience in understanding the legal process of amending a death record to its completion.
A consulted with Hospitals such as Martha’s Vineyard and Scripps Health, and major organizations including Marriott Hotels International. A graduate of the Muscular Therapy Institute (MTI—now Cortiva Institute) in Boston, MA, and served as the first massage therapist for the American Hockey League (AHL), the minor league for the NHL LA Kings and New York Islanders.
An Ergonomic Corporate Rehabilitation Specialist in the medical field, a Board-Certified Massage Therapist & Health Instructor. Received national and international acclaim as a best-selling author and speaker on wellness and peak performance outcomes.
My passion is empowering others to take charge of their lives. That's why I am applying my skills to help Veterans, surviving spouses and dependents. Any representatives who has the authority to sign or amend a death certificate such as physician or layers.
Finally, it’s not just my background or credentials, I’m also a widow of a veteran who was denied survivor benefits until I took matters into my own hands. I learned what I needed to do! I’m paying it forward and ready to help you!
The Long Journey
of Joana Brown
Our Hidden Heroes
You Can Book:
A 1-to-1 telephone consultation that takes less than 40 minutes from start-to-finish
A virtual or live group training — perfect for physician groups, attorneys, and other professionals who need to know this important resource. Training includes user-friendly handouts and detailed slides.
COMING SOON! – purchase a downloadable DIY video that you can access any time at your own convenience
