I do not think Alzheimer's is considered a disability by the VA at this time. I have not seen it listed on the most recent list of diseases now considered as related to any combat service. The new diseases listed are in relation to exposure to Agent Orange. You might check to see if there are any causes related to AO from the Korean War..
Mimi, I think you mean it's not considered a service connected disability. My DH is currently in the NYS veterans home in Montrose, NY. It's a beautiful facility, less expensive than most nursing homes, and I'm very happy with the care they are providing. I brought him there for several reasons, first, during my tour, I was impressed by the staff and their interaction with the residents, second, there are mostly men. and men feel comfortable in the company of other men. He will be on Medicaid, so the cost was not an issue, but for someone else, it might be. In the state home, you do not have to have a service connected disability, although my DH is 30%. In the federal veterans nursing homes, however, they must be 75 to 100% service connected disabled. There are so many people with Alz that there is probably not one 'cause', however, ptsd caused by combat, could certainly be a contributing factor. I know there have been several wives on this site who have mentioned that their dh's had ptsd. (post traumatic stress disorder)
My husband is a Viet Nam vet. He was exposed to Agent Orange but none of his health problems are on the list for receiving benefits. He was also diagnosed with PTSD by the VA and they still turned down his application for disability. He was also in combat. On the other hand, his best friend who never saw combat but was in Viet Nam has diabetes and he is considered 70% disabled. Doesn't always seem fair how they decide.
I have transferred most of his healthcare over to the VA for economic reasons. I could not afford his meds otherwise.
My dh also was exposed to Agent Orange and obtained a 70% disability for his heart condition. I was told that he now qualifies for care at the Vet. facility at Loma Linda, Ca. and they also gave me a list of nursing homes they contract with that he could go to if and when he needs that kind of care.
They also will provide me with respite care if I want to have it.
Deb have you contacted an attorney to file a claim to contest his not getting anything from his claim?? There are a number of attornies that will do this for free. Or have you contacted the VFW they can be of great help.
We went through the Disabled American Veterans for the claim and there was nothing they could do. The problem is that the VA says they don't have records showing he was in combat just that he was a company clerk. Yes, he was a company clerk but upon his arrival they already had a clerk so he was sent out into the field until they needed one. Also, my husband cannot remember anyone's name from his company so we cannot even contact any of them to have them tell the VA he was in combat.
The VA is paying for his day care right now and I can have respite once a year for up to 30 days. Right now, I'll take what I can get from them.