Concerning: Where can I find out where a widow's application for pension has been approved (or not)?

George, perhaps you are right. I do know that the War Department did check out the records of these Confederate veterans, even as late as 1928, when they denied a widow a pension because they could find no record of her husband's being paroled or discharged. The last mention in his record was that he had deserted. Often that can mean he has been captured or is ill somewhere, but in this case there was not a return. But I know you knew that.
Thanks for your help.