The following excerpt was found at the US Department of Veterans Affairs website at http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/pension/spousepen.htm#7

If you still have questions about who qualifies or the procedure for application, you should visit the site (which has many excellent links and explanations) and contact your local VA Representative.

quote:

What are Aid and Attendance and Housebound benefits? How Do I Apply?

Aid and Attendance is a benefit paid in addition to monthly pension when:

The claimant requires the aid of another person in order to perform personal functions required in everyday living, such as bathing, feeding, dressing, attending to the wants of nature, adjusting prosthetic devices, or protecting himself/herself from the hazards of his/her daily environment, OR,

The claimant is bedridden, in that his/her disability or disabilities requires that he/she remain in bed apart from any prescribed course of convalescence or treatment, OR,

The claimant is a patient in a nursing home due to mental or physical incapacity, OR,

The claimant is blind or so nearly blind as to have corrected visual acuity of 5/200 or less, in both eyes, or concentric contraction of the visual field to 5 degrees or less.

Housebound is paid to a claimant when:

The claimant is substantially confined to his/her immediate premises because of permanent disability.

The survivor may not receive Aid and Attendance benefits and Housebound benefits at the same time.

How to Apply for Aid and Attendance and Housebound:

You may apply for Aid and Attendance or Housebound benefits by writing to the VA regional office having jurisdiction of the claim. That would be the office where you filed a claim for pension benefits. If the regional office of jurisdiction is not known, you may file the request with any VA regional office.

You should include copies of any evidence, preferably a report from an attending physician validating the need for Aid and Attendance or Housebound type care.

The report should be in sufficient detail to determine whether there is disease or injury producing physical or mental impairment, loss of coordination, or conditions affecting the ability to dress and undress, to feed oneself, to attend to sanitary needs, and to keep oneself ordinarily clean and presentable.

In addition, it is necessary to determine whether the claimant is confined to the home or immediate premises.

Whether the claim is for Aid and Attendance or Housebound, the report should indicate how well the individual gets around, where the individual goes, and what he or she is able to do during a typical day.

=========================================
I probably should have posted this first, but I'll just tag it on here so that it stays at the top.

NEWS RELASE
Department of Veterans Affairs
for immediate release
December 19, 2006

Secretary Nicholson: VA Reaches Out to Veterans and Spouses "Aid and Attendance an Under-Used Benefit

WASHINGTON--The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is reaching out to inform wartime veterans and surviving spouses of deceased wartime veterans about an under-used, special monthly pension benefit called Aid and Attendance.

"Veterans have earned this benefit by their service to our nation," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jim Nicholson. "We want to ensure that every veteran or surviving spouse who qualifies has the chance to apply."

Although this is not a new program, not everyone is aware of his or her potential eligibility. The Aid and Attendance pension benefit may be available to wartime veterans and surviving spouses who have in-home care or who live in nursing-homes or assisted-living facilities.

Many elderly veterans and surviving spouses whose incomes are above the congressionally mandated legal limit for a VA pension may still be eligible for the special monthly Aid and Attendance benefit if they have large medical expenses, including nursing home expenses, for which they do not receive reimbursement.

To qualify, claimants must incapable of self support and in need of regular personal assistance.

The basic criteria for the Aid and Attendance benefit include the inability to feed oneself, to dress and undress without assistance, or to take care of one's own bodily needs. People who are bedridden or need help to adjust special prosthetic or orthopedic devices may also be eligible, as well as those who have a physical or mental injury or illness that requires regular assistance to protect them from hazards or dangers in their daily environment.

For a wartime veteran or surviving spouse to qualify for this special monthly pension, the veteran must have served at least 90 days of active military service, one day of which was during a period of war, and be discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.

Wartime veterans who entered active duty on or after September 8, 1980, (October 16, 1981, for officers) must have completed at least 24 continuous months of military service or the period for which they were ordered to active duty.

If all requirements are met, VA determines eligibility for the Aid and Attendance benefit by adjusting for un-reimbursed medical expenses from the veteran's or surviving spouse's total household income. If the remaining income amount falls below the annual income threshold for the Aid and Attendance benefit, VA pays the difference between the claimant's household income and the Aid and Attendance threshold.

The Aid and Attendance income threshold for a veteran without dependents is now $18,234 annually. The threshold increases to $21,615 if the veteran has one dependent, and by $1,866 for each additional dependent. The annual Aid and Attendance threshold for a surviving spouse alone is $11,715. This threshold increases to $13,976 if there is one dependent child, and by $1,866 for each additional child.

Additional information and assistance in applying for the Aid and Attendance benefit may be obtained by calling 1-800-827-1000. Applications may be submitted on-line at http://vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp/main.asp . Information is also available on the Internet at www.va.gov or from any local veterans service organization.

# # #

WARTIME SERVICE
Certain VA benefits require wartime service. Under the law, VA recognizes these war periods:

Mexican Border Period: May 9, 1916, through April 5, 1917, for veterans who served in Mexico, on its borders or in adjacent waters.

World War I: April 6, 1917, through November 11, 1918; for veterans who served in Russia, April 6, 1917, through April 1, 1920; extended through July 1, 1921, for veterans who had at least one day of service between April 6, 1917, and November 11, 1918.

World War II: December 7, 1941, through December 31, 1946.

Korean War: June 27, 1950 through January 31, 1955.

Vietnam War: August 5, 1964 (February 28, 1961, for veterans who served "in country" before August 5, 1964), through May 7, 1975.

...also see http://www1.va.gov/opa/is1/index.asp

This message has been edited. Last edited by: mariabee,

For those of you who read this initial post early on (and might not otherwise have returned to read again); I am refreshing this thread because I initially failed to include a good bit of pertinent information.

Now that I have edited it to include that information, it can be found at the bottom of the initial post.

I'm at the point where I think VA Aid and Assistance sucks! I've been "through the mill. You really have to be dirt poor (which I feel as if I am) before you can get help. The VA does not take into conideration you must "exist" - pay mortgage, utilities, etc. - simply the basic needs to exist. We were turned down because our income was too high (social security plus I still have a parttime job at 75). My son was doing the caregiving with no pay, but I had to have records of caregiving payments before I could get caregiving help - duh! We couldn't afford a caregiver. My husband has Parkinsons; is bedridden. I strive each month to stay afloat. My children (4) help to pay a lady who comes in in the mornings. I hate to take from them. I've sent VA everything imaginable, including our list of monthly expenses - still, no help. I give up.

I had great success with services from the VA.I am not rich but not dirt poor and hubby never was turned down.
We were fortunate as we had his VA doctor go to bat for us.Many times it has alot to do with the budget allowance for the Calender year.

We applied for Aid & Attendance for my Dad with the help of the VA Service Officer in their county. He made the procedure painless. I provided him with some preliminary information, a certified copy of the separation papers and a doctor's report.

When we arrived for our face to face appointment, the VA Service Officer had all the paperwork done and needed Dad's signature. The VA guy turned it in personally to the VA office in Oakland on March 13. My folks received a letter confirming receipt of the package of information. We expect to hear around June 1 and it is supposed to be retro-active to March.

I'm crossing my fingers that the VA won't need anything more. The VA guy seemed to think it was a slam dunk but I don't know. Now we wait.

I first got this idea off of this forum and I want to thank everyone for posting the information and their experiences. It has been tremendous help.

I hope we are successful.

Robin

Excellent source of information.Anyone who maybe able to have the VA available to them , use it.We had the best in home services through the VA.We had the best team of people for hubby.

Sadly, many times the availability for services depends on the passing of the budget for the VA.This congress and president has seen fit to cut mucho funds from the VA.
If they would do away with all the stupid funds they allow for pork their would be enough funds for SS and the VA

I spoke too soon.

It's Aug. 8th and the VA is still processing my Dad's application which was sent in March. We did hear from them in June saying that because he has Alzheimers, he has to be declared incompetent but that he has 30 days to appeal this in a hearing.

We received a separate letter saying Dad had been approved and the dollar amount we would be receiving but that there were conditions before they would release any funds.

I called the VA and told them we didn't want to wait another 30 days so they told us to fax in a letter with his signature saying he waived the 30 day period.

They would then send out a case worker to interview him, (apparently a medical statement signed by his doctor isn't enough?) then it would take another 3-4 months. I hit the ceiling. I asked what can we do to expedite this? I said he is 90 years old and this is a financial hardship for us. The representative told me to put that in the letter as that would help speed this along.

So I did all of that and faxed it the next morning. Three weeks later I called to find out if they received the letter and where they were in the process. The woman I spoke to would not give me any information because of the Privacy Act. I told her I understood about the Privacy Act but that the person I spoke to before gave me information and all I really want to know is if they show receiving the letter.

She said she couldn't tell me but that it usually takes 30 days to log correspondence onto the computer and then another 3-4 months to process.

Well, I lost it. I broke down sobbing over the phone and felt like an idiot. We are just under so much pressure financial-wise that I don't know what else to do. The representative remained firm so I hung up.

I emailed our local VA Service Officer and asked him if there was anything he could do. He looked onto the computer and said that our letter had been received and that the file was open and they were looking at it. He wrote back in a rather kind manner so I can only assume the previous rep I spoke to probably made reference to my phone call "....caller broke down in tears and was very emotional."

So now we wait. My stepmom received a letter from them yesterday about prescriptions which she didn't understand so I will call the VA to find out exactly what that is all about but other than that, no other word.

Sometimes I think my head is going to explode from the stress of everything. But hanging in there.

Thanks for listening,

Robin

P.S. One other thing. I wrote to their Congressman who is considered a "Friend to Veterans" asking that they review the VA procedures. I got a campaign response from his office asking me to vote for him. Sigh.

quote:

I got a campaign response from his office asking me to vote for him. Sigh.

Don't forget to make a donation to his campaign fund!
Bless your heart, Robindg!! Seems like the BIGGEST qualifying factor is whether you (or the person for whom you are applying for benefits) survive the application process, die of old age waiting or of a heart attack or brain hemorrhage while dealing with their "knowledgeable, helpful, friendly staff."

Take a DEEEEEEEP breath, dear and keep on fighting the good fight (easy for me to say, right?!! ). Call every agency and politician you can think of and TELL THEM either you get some ACTION or you WILL call the local news stations, newspapers, etc. and report your issue and how NO ONE HELPED YOU where the VOTING PUBLIC can learn about how badly things are working!! The VA is notorious for its insane bureaucracy. Hasn't changed since my dad died in service in 1965 and, from what I have experienced personally and read, it hasn't gotten any better during that time.

Good luck and KNOW that we're pulling for you!!

*** wonder how many files and applications are accompanied by notes like "....caller broke down in tears and was very emotional." THat might be a requirement, too... ***

Thanks for your support MB.

I get frustrated and down every now and then but no way am I giving up!

Robin

Dealing with any government agency is stressful.They do not realize how important the task they are asked to perform is important .
I was fortunate as my husband VA doctor put in for his in home care.
We had the medicine service for years before his extreme illness.
Many times they cannot make any decisions for allocations until the congress votes on the amount of funds they will receive.
You know how slow congress is.Heck , they are on vacation for a month and have not done a darn thing when they have been seated.
I also was fortunate that I had a good socail worker who tried to get me as much respite time as the budget would allow.Knowing my circumstances and being to my home she truly knew how important time out was.
Hope you get answers real soon.

My Dad is a Korean War Vet. However, he was not injured in the war. Can he still apply for Vet benefits now that he is incapacitated and can not take care of himself? Please let me know, because I have heard conflicting info. and if there is any aid for him at all, he could really use it. Thanks!

GIGI, one does not have to be injured in service to qualify.You do have to fill out a request for services.Anyone who was in the arm services qualifies for cheaper meds, etc.
We first went to checks ups twice a year to qualify for meds, eye glasses, hearing aides.
My husband continued with his check ups when he had parkinsons.When his doctor saw his coming to the VA was becoming too difficult she put his name in for in home services.It took at least six or more months to get in home services but it was worth it.We were assigned a social worker.They give the contracts to home health care agencies out side of the hospital.I had my choice of two.If you can receive their services it would benefit you and the afflicted .I WAS SO FORTUNATE TO HAVE SUCH A GOOD GROUP THAT LOOKED AFTER MY HUSBAND.BETTER THEN ANY HOSPITAL I HAVE HAD EXPERIENCE.

Gigi, at the top of this forum, there are some GREAT resource links pinned
http://eldercare.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/1196030151/m/1181007225
Check there for common VA links. Check through them for info... If you think your father even MIGHT be entitled to any benefits, call your local VA office and ask if he qualifies for any benefits from VA. If he does, they can help you fill out forms, steer you in the right direction, etc. to file for and btain any benefits to which he might be entitled. MANY vets do not realize all the benefits for which they may be eligible, so it's worth the search! Be sure to read through the other pinned VA topics... beware of dealing with people who are NOT VA workers when applying for benefits... some are scams, etc.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Moms_Buddy,

Thankyou so much Mae! I am going to look into this following your weblinks, etc. My father could definitely use any type of help. My husband and I pay for him to have home services privately while he and my mom are now living with us from a severe accident. They have gone through all of their savings with hospital debts and we don't make that much, with me being at home and only my husband working at an hourly wage. ALthough they qualified for NH care, etc, I didn't want to leave them there so now they are with me. The aid that we found and have paid privately for the past 2.5 years is moving out of state and any help that I can get for him and for my mom is desperately needed. My father is a big guy and has multiple issues, and I can not bathe him by myself. My husband works all the time, and helps when he is here, but we are not enough to keep on top of things. What is the first step? After connecting to the link you gave me? Does he need to see his doctor? We push him by wheelchair over 2 miles to get to a doctor, rain or shine. I am so tired. It is so hard sometimes. Especially since he was sooo smart, good and kind, a nuclear engineer that place man on the moon, and now he bangs on my mom and me constantly for food. Mom is oxygen full time and can't care for herself either. I am so busy with dad that i don't have time to attend to her emotional needs. It makes me sad. A little help from VA would be beneficial. they still have their home, and pay all the bills with it, but they can't live in it alone, and we can't afford 24 hour care, which is how they were both released to me.

Thanks MB, just read your post. Will follow your link too. ANd I will watch out for scams. Thanks for that bit of advice as well.

quote:

I am so busy with dad that i don't have time to attend to her emotional needs. It makes me sad.

Hi Gigi...

What you said here really resonated with me. I was cg to my parents. My mother had AD, my father had serious problems with judgment and short term memory following a difficult operation that nearly killed him. Along with my parents, I had other family members and my life partner - all of whom had serious problems of their own - that I was dealing with. I was the only one who was both physically and mentally healthy. It's a long and complicated story, but basically what it meant was that I could never give as much attention to any one of my loved ones as I wanted, and - after my parents died (also having lost a sister, aunt and cousin along the way) - I had a tremendous amount of guilt for everything I hadnt' been able to do for them, and it took me a long time to work through that.

I feel you may be headed down the same path, and I hope you will keep it well in mind that you are only one person and there is only so much you can do. Consider that in a NH there are nurses, aides,housekeepers, laundry staff, social workers, administrators, kitchen staff, PT and OT, and activity personnel and none of them are there 24/7. At home cgs. are often doing all of the above with minimal or no help. YOU - are amazing and magnificent to care for two parents all on your own. You remember that!

I will always feel sad that I couldnt' give more to my family members, but I also know now that I did the best I could under some seriously difficult circumstances. I can wish it was different, but I also know that I did something a lot of people wouldnt'. I loved my family enough to do my level best to make the last years of their lives as good as I could.

Do watch yourself for signs of burnout. I finally reached a point where I knew I couldn't keep going the way things were, and I had to place my parents in a NH. It wasnt' what I wanted, but - for their safety and my sanity- I needed to.

My parents qualified for aides briefly, but mostly they were in that no-man's land of too many assets to qualify for most programs, but not enough money to hire private help. I sincerely hope you are able to get help through the VA. Even a little respite can make a huge difference.

Take care.

P.S. No disrespect to your hubby intended as he sounds like one heckuva guy, but I understand since he works he can only help so much. I"m really really glad you have such a great spouse.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Melissa M.,

Hi Gigi,

By now you probably know that your dad doesn't have to be wounded from the war to be eligible for Aid and Attendance. What I would suggest is that you contact your local VA Service Officer. I called the City Offices where my parents lived and they knew exactly who I needed to talk to.

He or she will guide you through the process telling you what forms you need to fill out or perhaps they will fill them out for you as ours did. They will tell you the criteria you need to meet.

Just an update on our situation: I called the VA Office in Oakland for a status on my dad's application. The man I spoke to said he couldn't give any personal information out to me but that he could tell me the process. Ok fine. One of the processes is that dad's file will be sent to Utah to the Fiduciary Dept. for review then they will send someone out to the house (we live in Calif.).

After that is done, then the file comes back to Oakland and then it will take another 4 months. Now, this is all because my dad has Alzheimers. He has to be rated as incompetent and that, apparently, is a huge deal that takes months to do. Since your dad doesn't have that problem, it won't take as long.

I asked 4 questions of the VA guy while I had him on the phone as I wanted to be sure I understood the process. On the 4th question he said, "You ask a lot of questions."

I said "I have the right to ask questions when it's concerning my 90 year old father who is a veteran of WWII." He said, "I don't recognize you." (meaning he didn't really have to talk to me). I said, "I don't recognize you and I want to speak to your supervisor." He said "Goodbye" and hung up on me. Nice, huh?

I wasn't mean or yelling but I was firm right after that comment he made about asking a lot of questions. That ticked me off.

I wrote another letter to their Congressman and sent it to this home city and to Washington D.C. I also emailed to him.

At this rate, we are looking at maybe getting this completed by December or January.

Let me repeat, this is because dad has Alzheimers and must be rated as incompetent. So these delays would probably not be as long with any other situation.

Again, be sure to contact your local VA Service Officer. They will be your advocate.

That's all for now....

Robin

Thanks gals, Robindg, Melissa M, MB and Mae! You've given me a wealth of knowledge from which to pull from. I tried the VA server to locate the nearest office, but it was temporarily unavailable everytime I tried. Hopefully it will be on tomorrow. I'd like to see if there is anything there for him. Even just a VA doc at this point, because I am not too pleased with the one here. We have to push 2.5 miles in a wheelchair to get him there because this doc is the closest, but he doesn't listen to my father's needs and it is really upsetting. In fact, he prescribed my father levaquin, from which my dad suffered severe tendonitis and couldn't walk for weeks! The doc refused to believe it was the meds and told him to continue it. I got his records, he didn't dx him with the tendonitis, and he wrote, "Pt. is here with his daughter who has some story about..." Story???? I am sooooo upset! I took him to his pulmonary doc who immediately removed him from the drug, and was exasperated at dad's primary care. This was in JANUARY - and now it's all over the news that it causes this problem in the legs! The doc NEVER even took an xray or anything to help my dad with the pain. I guess he didn't believe him, or me apparantly. Makes me angry. So, hopefully VA will be able to assist with at least a better doc.
Thanks sooooo much for responding and all the beautiful words of encouragement. It has been really lifting my spirits and giving me a gift to have a place to vent, share and not be judged and actually be helped. Hope I can pay it forward one day.
Bless you all!

GIGI, maybe this will assist you:
https://www.myhealth.va.gov/mhv-portal-web/anonymous.po...jMgv7tGy6h0P7xBJTpcJ