Are There Exceptions to the VA Aid and Attendance Eligibility Requirements?

One of the most basic rules when applying for the VA Aid and Attendance pension is that the veteran must have served in the military for at least 90 days, one day of which was during a time of war. This leads many people who served for less than 90 days to believe that they’re ineligible for the pension. However, this isn’t always the case. If the veteran earned the Purple Heart, suffered a service-connected disability, or was killed in the line of duty, the 90-day service requirement no longer applies.

Surprisingly, another exception to the VA’s eligibility rules relates to whether the applicant actually even served in the military. For example, if you or your loved one was in the Merchant Marines during World War II for at least 90 days, he could be eligible for the pension. Also, women who served in the military during World War II, including nurses, qualify for the pension. However, Reserves and National Guard veterans will not qualify unless their unit was active for Federal duty for at least 90 days, one day of which must have been during a wartime period.

Because there are so many exceptions to the VA’s eligibility requirements, it is important to meet with someone who is accredited to practice before the VA before you decide that you or your loved one will not qualify for VA benefits.