Aid and Attendance

The VA disability benefits this article addresses is the non-service connected disability pension benefit.  This disability benefit is a life saver for millions of older veterans and their surviving spouses who need assistance with everyday activities due to advancing age.

The eligibility to receive these VA disability benefits has not changed. But, qualifying for them seem to be a moving target year to year and throughout the year.  It seems it comes down to the luck of the draw on the person evaluating the claim.

Compounding the qualification process for the disability pension benefit with aid and attendance entitlement is the requirement that WWII veterans in their 80’s and 90’s are now being asked to provide the last day of employment on their claim applications.  Many are even being asked to have their physicians provide detailed documentation to support their inability to hold employment.

What is going on? Didn’t Congress pass a stipulation that a veteran no longer had to submit evidence and prove that their disability prevented them from working once they were over the age of 65.  Is it fair to hold up a determination on a claim for a 93 year old WWII veteran receiving around the clock home care because supporting medical evidence that he can’t hold permanent employment wasn’t included with the medical report showing dementia?

There is even bad news looming for 2010 as it appears there will be no increase in the benefit payment threshold.  In the past the amount of VA disability benefits would increase at the same percentage as Social Security and other government payouts.  There will be no increase in Social Security benefits for 2010 and thus no increase for VA disability benefits.

Let’s get back to taking care of our elderly veterans and their surviving spouses who have sacrificed such a large portion of their lives to free our European neighbors from oppression and imprisonment from the right to live a free life.

Similar VA pension news:

1. Qualified Medical Expenses
2. VA Disability Pension Rumblings
3. 2010 Aid and Attendance Rates
4. VA Aid and Attendance
5. Form 21 526