Category Archives: Veteran’s Benefits
Can Dad Still Receive Aid & Attendance if he Lives Overseas?
Some people may be wondering whether their parent can receive VA Aid and Attendance benefits if the parent now lives out of the country. Thankfully, the answer to this question is simple: if your parent qualifies for the benefit, it does not matter where he or she lives, whether it is in America or… Read More »
Can I Get Both Aid & Attendance and Medicaid?
Many of my clients want to apply for both the Veterans Aid and Attendance Pension and Virginia Medicaid. Because the VA and Medicaid rules are so strict, many people are not sure whether they can get both benefits at the same time. The good news is that in Virginia, income received from the VA… Read More »
Which Address Should I Put On Dad’s VA Application?
One of the common reasons that a VA application is denied or that a VA pension is reduced is because of failure for the veteran or widowed spouse to properly communicate with the VA in a timely manner. It is extremely important that all requests for information from the VA are responded to as… Read More »
How Long Will It Take for the VA to Process My Application?
One of the most common questions I get from our clients is how long it will take for the VA to make a decision about their Aid and Attendance Application. I have been told by the VA that their decision process has three phases: The Development Phase (102-139 days): During this phase, the VA… Read More »
What If Mom Can’t Sign Forms from the VA?
Many of our older clients are physically unable to sign their name. The VA does not recognize a power of attorney and so no one but the veteran or surviving spouse can sign VA forms unless the VA has appointed a fiduciary to act on the claimant’s behalf. The family members then wonder what… Read More »
Why Should I Work With An Attorney to Apply for VA Benefits?
Applying for the Veterans Aid and Attendance Pension can be both stressful and confusing. However, if you work with an attorney, the process can be a little less painful. Attorneys who are accredited to practice before the VA can help your family work through the entire process of applying for VA benefits, as well… Read More »
My Dad Was a Veteran. Can the VA Help Me Pay For His Burial?
Dealing with the death of a parent is difficult, and worrying about how to pay for their funeral expenses only contributes to the stress of the event. Many children of veterans are unaware of the fact that they can receive burial benefits to help pay for expenses associated with their parent’s death. If your… Read More »
How to Obtain Veteran Service Records
You’ve decided to apply for veteran’s benefits for yourself or your spouse. Or you’re helping Dad or Mom get VA Aid and Attendance benefits. Now what? The process can be confusing, but the one of the first (and most important) steps you can take is to obtain a certified copy of your veteran’s service… Read More »
Ten Tips For A Successful VA Aid And Attendance Application
1. If you are filing for a parent and your parent has memory loss or dementia, provide your mailing address rather than your parent’s address so that you are sure to receive all correspondence from the VA. Have the information addressed to your parent, care of (“c/o”) your name. 2. Make sure to respond… Read More »
The Eligibility Verification Report
Each year, veterans or surviving spouses receiving the VA Aid and Attendance Pension must prove that they are still eligible to receive this VA pension benefit. To do this, they must submit a form called the Eligibility Verification Report (EVR). The EVR requires disclosure of the veteran or surviving spouse’s income, assets, and anticipated… Read More »