VA's Aid and Attendance Benefit

[ladyhuey1]

I am 69 y.o disabled vet - 1959 to 1971 and never knew ths.

[TheBeezer2002]

DAV folks are ALWAYS helpful. Even with a law degree I found it difficult cutting through the red tape.

100% Korean War Vet

[kimjonil9999]

Yeah...go ahead try and apply for it..THE VA WILL USE EVERY EXCUSE IN THE BOOK TO DENY YOUR CLAIM!!!!! I HAVE BEEN FIGHTING FOR MY FATHER 4 YEARS NOW TO GET IT AND STILL HE IS BEING DENIED..ESPECIALLY WHEN HE HAS ALL THE PROOF IN THE WORLD THAT HE IS ENTITLED TO IT.

[RetirementMedia]

I applied 8 months ago for my wife's 92 year old uncle who is a Peal Harbor survivor. It is a slow process but we just went to 4 of the VA's doctors, eight months after applying. I heard it can take a year or longer. I hope it he makes it that long. But we are hoping it is worth the try.

[ipcorp]

Very best video to tell the truth...Adj DAV Gainesville GA

[lkane99]

My grandma qualifies for A&A, but they will only give her $200. Not enough for any decent care. To clarify, Medicare will not pay for Assisted Living but Medicaid will pay $4000 towards Nursing Home. But it's not fair to have someone go to a NH when they aren't ready for that level of care. So, do we risk her $ w/ a lawyer to try to get more? It's very hard to know what to do!

[dimplasm]

in our state, AR, there are other medicaid programs, Elder Choices, for help in the home, they can get up to 40 hours per week, and Assisted Living(must be state license facility) that are covered by Medicaid. They come under the same rules as Nursing Home, with the Estate recovery provision, income limits, asset limits, etc. Your state may have similar programs.

As for risking her money, try the DAV or someone like that. They are many times very helpful.

[ipcorp]

Send it in up to 3 times to get it. Never, Never give up. Adj DAV, 404.502.3302

[gibbscynthia]

I am an Elder Care Advisor with a Comapny called A Place For Mom. We offer a free service for families in search of elder care at all income leves and nationwide. Please feel free to contact me. 866 633 7863

[denver4und]

The paperwork can be maddening. If you send in all the papers the VA will send a letter asking for the papers. You think "I do not need to respond". BUT you must, or the VA will close the file because you did not respond. My law firm helps vets & spouses in applying for this aid & attendance pension. Call us if you are having problems with the program. Jim Underhill, Underhill & Underhill 800-699-5501. We never charge the veteran or spouse anything for filing applications. We are VA Accredited.

[denver4und]

that was the fax number, phone number is 800-465-1266. jim

[2golfers2]

Unfortunately, the red tape involved in this program is VERY extensive. We had everything completed for my 91-year old father; they kept requesting "just one more thing" and before they would fund, Dad passed away. Now those benefits are GONE. Not even available to my 92-year old Mom, who is very ill with Parkinson's and age-related problems. They tell you it is available and then make it so difficult that you never get the promised help. VERY VERY UNFAIR!!!

[martyburbank]

@2golfers2

you benefits are not lost and your mom may still be eligible for a survivors aid and attendance benefit. feel free to call me to discuss it with you. If your mom is eligible we work on a pro-bono basis. I am an accredited VA attorney and 12 year navy veteran and work as panel attorney with AMVETS. My office number is 800 220-4205. Marty Burbank, Esq.

[KCMac929]

Of course, it's a more complicated than the video lets on. You have to be on the Pension plan which requires the basic elements mentioned in the video. Plus you need to have a rating done at your local VA Office and it basically boost up your monthly amount. But a lot of times Medicaid steps in and takes it all if you are in an assisted living home, which then you are bumped down to the $90 rate. It's not as glorious as it sounds and many veterans and widows get left out but every bit helps.

[RightWingCon81]

You seem very knowledgable about this so let me ask you a question. My dad is 92 a WWII vet, 100% service connected as of this month, my mother and I care for him at home. I'm a law student (I'm in my 20s) and he refuses anyone other than me to shower him and no one other than my mom to cook for him, can I get this $900 a month as compensation for myself? In other words can the VA pay me? Not to be selfish, but my time at home cuts into my job.

[martyburbank]

@RightWingCon81

I am an accredited veterans benefits attorney and a 12 year navy veteran. because your father is already getting 100% disability compensation the aid and attendance benefit would not be a good deal as you can only receive one and the 100% disability compensation pays more than the aid and attendance benefit.

[RightWingCon81]

@RightWingCon81 OK, that make's sense. Thanks for answering my question.

[martyburbank]

@KCMac929

This information is false for those living in California.

Marty Burbank, Esq. California Elder Law and Veterans Benefits Attorney.

800 220-4205

the reason it is false is the medicaid will not pay for assisted living in CA only for skilled nursing homes.

[tricster1010]

I will do my part to network this information that could help veteran families and their loved ones