Veterans Compensation

Veterans may be entitled to compensation regardless of their income if they:

• were injured while in the service,
• are permanently and totally disabled due to military service,
• were seriously ill while they were in the service, and believe the problem has continued, or
• Developed a mental or physical condition that may be related to military service.

This benefit determination is usually done at discharge, and the veteran is assigned a disability rating of 10%-100% disabled.  The rating determines the amount of the monthly benefit.

There are times when veterans develop disabling conditions after discharge that can be attributed to something that happened while in service and can affect the veteran’s ability to work.  The veteran can apply at any time, and if the current disabling condition can be attributed to having started while in service, the veteran can receive VA Compensation.   A good example of this is veterans who served in Vietnam and were exposed to Agent Orange.  Due to new discoveries Vietnam era vets who develop Diabetes Type II may be able to receive VA Compensation, as this is now being considered a side effect of Agent Orange exposure.

Where to Apply (Veterans)?

If you are the veteran, you apply with the Veteran’s Administration. This can be done a number of ways.

• You can apply online at the VA web site
• You may download, print and fill out the VA Form 21-526, Veteran's Application for Compensation and/or Pension. Make sure you download all parts of the application as well as the instructions for filling out the forms. Mail the completed application and other documents to the VA regional office that serves your area of residence.
• You may also call a Veterans Service Officer (VSO) with a veteran’s service organization. You can call 1-800-827-1000, for the location near you. You may also look to the VA web site for a list of the Veterans Service Organizations.

Aid and Attendance

The Aid and Attendance (A&A) Pension helps veterans and their surviving spouses when they require the regular attendance of another person to assist in eating, bathing, dressing and undressing or taking care of the needs of nature. The benefits also include individuals who are blind or a patient in a nursing home because of mental or physical incapacity. Individuals who received assisted care in an assisting living facility also qualify.

To qualify for A&A the primary care physician needs to verify that daily assistance by others to dress, undress, bathing, cooking, eating, taking on or off of prosthetics, leave home etc. is required.  To receive the additional funds for this need, you DO NOT have to require assistance with all of these.

The A&A Pension can provide up to $1,632 per month to a veteran, $1,055 per month to a surviving spouse, or $1,949 per month to a couple*.

You have to apply for a VA Pension or Compensation (Form 21-534 surviving spouse) (Form 21-526 Veteran.)  When the application is submitted a copy of DD-214 or separation papers, Medical Evaluation from a physician, current medical issues, net worth limitations, and net income, along with out-of-pocket Medical Expenses have to also be submitted.

It can take about 6-9 months to process the application.  Learn if you may be eligible

 

Other resources for Veterans

 There are many groups that are able to help Veterans or their families.  Check out a few of these:

 

• USA Together serves as a one stop website that helps to bring together injured service members who need assistance and people who want to help them.  Veterans using this service are limited to having been injured, wounded, or acquired a disease during their military service.  Family members of veterans who have been killed in action are also able to seek resources through this site.  You can sign up to let people know about what you need, or you can sign up to volunteer services. 
• Another resource directory is available through a shared database maintained by the Departments of Defense, Labor and Veterans Affairs.  The site is targeted to provide help for wounded, ill and injured Service Members and Veterans, their families and families of the fallen, and those who support them from recovery and rehabilitation to community reintegration.
• Resources for Irag and Afghanistan veterans can be obtained through the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America.
• USA Cares helps provide military families with financial support and other critical resources.