Aid and Attendance

Rumor has it that the VA is again throwing roadblocks up for veterans and widows to keep track of their claim status.  It is just another mind-boggling procedure that we are seeing lately with the VA.

Last time we spoke about a veteran in his 90’s having to get a written doctor statement that his disabilities are preventing him from holding a job.  Think about that for a moment.  In his 90’s during a time when unemployment is around 10% nationwide and the government wants to proof that he can’t work.

Now some of the VA Regional offices are making it difficult for family members to help their elderly parents track the claim and make sure it stays out of someone’s bottom desk drawer.  Most people who file a disability pension claim with aid and attendance entitlement will also file a 21-22a form with the claim. 

The “VA 21-22a Appointment of Representative” form is suppose to assign the right to a family member under Section 14.630 “INDIVIDUAL PROVIDING REPRESENTATION” or an attorney to act as the claimants representative. Most VA Regional offices have accepted the form in the past without issue.  This is a great stress reliever for both the claimant and the caring family in helping to guide the claim through the VA maze.

Now we are hearing reports that the Philadelphia VA Regional office is not recognizing the VA 21-22a form while a claim is in processing.  They want to only recognize their own representative form after a decision has been made on the claim.  Huh!?!  Where is the benefit to the claimant or their family with that practice?

We’ve also suggested that when checking on the Veterans disability pension qualification status, even with the VA 21-22a form properly completed and submitted with the original claim application filing, that anytime a call to the VA was needed, to have the claimant with you to give verbal permission to the VA rep on the phone.  This has usually worked very well. 

We’ve also heard in the rumor mill that major computer software changes are being planned in the VA.  The first of which to get all divisions of the VA on the same programming language.  This is suppose to improve efficiency, but you will have to wait.  Keep alert for another VA FUBAR.

Similar VA pension news:

1. VCAA
2. What Is Happening With VA Disability Benefits
3. VA Disability Claim Paperwork Time Line
4. Form 21 526
5. Veterans Aid And Attendance Pension Program