Veterans and their surviving spouses who are eligible for a VA pension may be entitled to “Aid and Attendance” in some cases. This monthly amount is in addition to any VA pension amount that a veteran is already receiving. Plus, since Aid and Attendance is an additional benefit, veterans who are ineligible for a basic pension due to their income may become eligible at the increased pension rate.
In order to qualify for Aid and Attendance, you must meet one of the following conditions:
- You require assistance with your personal living activities, such as bathing, eating, and dressing.
- You are permanently bedridden as a result of your disability.
- You are a patient in a nursing home due to mental or physical incapacity.
- You have very limited eyesight that falls within certain ranges.
When you apply for Aid and Attendance, you must have evidence that supports the fact that you meet one of the conditions described above. The best type of evidence is a detailed report by your attending physician about your physical and mental impairment or inability to perform daily personal tasks without assistance. The report should indicate the extent to which you are able to get around, and what you are able to do during a typical day.
Aid and Attendance is a pension benefit that is completely unrelated to whether you have service-related injury. This benefit is often overlooked when applying for VA benefits. Clearly, it can be very helpful to veterans and their spouses who meet the criteria described above.
The experienced Washington elder law attorneys of Elder Law Group PLLC are here to help you through the often complex process of becoming eligible for and obtaining veteran’s benefits. We know what is necessary to qualify for veteran’s benefits and how those benefits will work in conjunction with your existing financial situation. No matter what type of benefits you are seeking, we are here to help. Rely on us for legal advice and representation when you need it most. Call today and see what services we can offer you.
