Good post Caroline, point well taken.
There's certainly some degree of responsibility as a result of being married. What that is worth in a divorce should be decided on a case by case basis. For most people that responsibility is covered sufficiently, and in many cases excessively through a division of income and assets. This can still be done with a Veteran without trying to take these benefits. Allowing it to happen sets a precedent that will incline judges to give it to spouses as a matter of right, even to those who don't deserve it. We can't let that happen.
I don't disagree that some spouses have paid a heavy price. Let them get compensated some other way.