When Nardia Stultz started with the Texas Veterans Commission Claims Department in August 2023, “She had no idea how much heart would be involved in her work,” said TVC Claims Southeast District Manager and Navy veteran Julio Harros.
“Her very first Dependent Indemnity Compensation case was a tough one,” explained Harros. The widow of a Vietnam veteran had lost all faith in the system. A previous claim had been denied. “I had to win her over,” said Stultz, an Army veteran. “I promised I’d walk her through every step and never leave her in the dark.”
Stultz dove in headfirst filing under the Blue Water Navy Act, retrieving medical records, calling the VA endlessly, and even researching military history through the History Channel and Google to verify the veteran’s service.
It worked. The claim was approved and the surviving spouse finally received the benefits she deserved.
“That victory ignited a passion in Nadia,” said Harros.
Since then, she’s helped process and win numerous Dependent Indemnity Compensation and appeal cases, especially for widows of Vietnam and toxic-exposed veterans.
“So many of them never filed before,” said Stultz. “The key is starting with the DD214 and digging deep into their Military Occupational Specialty and service records.”
Recently, a significant and memorable case for Stultz was with the widow of a veteran who ended up receiving nearly $400,000 in back payments. “We spent six hours going over the regulations together one Saturday,” Stultz recalled. “And when the BVA (VA Board of Veteran’s Appeals) asked for more info, we were ready.”
Her work isn’t just about wins; it’s about relationships. “I’ve had widows who now call me just to check in. That’s special.”
One day, a veteran tried to thank her with a book full of money. She declined. “We don’t do this for money. I told him to go downstairs at the VA hospital and hand out $20 bills to veterans who needed it. Pay it forward.”
“For her, this job is about restoring dignity, honoring service, and rebuilding faith in the process,” said Harros.
Want some help with claims? Contact a TVC Claims Benefits Advisor for assistance at no cost at https://www.tvc.texas.gov/claims/appointments/ .
