Applying for Aid and Attendance benefits can be a confusing and time consuming process. The VA is actually improving their turn-around time on new claims but the red-tape still exists. This article should help you properly complete a claim for VA Aid and Attendance pension benefits. However, I first recommend making sure you qualify for […]
Aid And Attendance Form: Which Should You Use?
The specific aid and attendance form you should to submit to the VA depends on which benefit you are applying for and where you are in the application process. Submitting the wrong aid and attendance form to the Department of Veterans Affairs can cause a request for more information letter or a denial letter. Even […]
VA Form 21-8049: Prelude To A Denial
VA Form 21-8049 is the form that the Department of Veterans Affairs requests when a claimant for aid and attendance pension has net worth issues. Net worth must be provided to the VA on the aid and attendance application. If the VA thinks that the applicant’s net worth might be excessive, a request for more […]
VA Form 21-686c — Status of Dependents
VA Form 21-686c is the Declaration of Status of Dependents Form. Unlike many of the forms I write about, VA Form 21-686c is used for aid and attendance pension benefits and compensation benefits. The 686c is an important form. Veterans receive more money from the Department of Veterans Affairs if they have dependents. The more […]
Pennsylvania Irrevocable Trust
A Pennsylvania Irrevocable Trust can come in many different shapes and sizes. Depending on the creator’s goals and specific situation, a Pennsylvania Irrevocable Trust can be drafted in a variety of ways. The specific language of the trust will depend on a variety of circumstances that are unique to the person creating the trust. This […]
VA Form 21P-0970 — A New NOD For Denials
VA Form 21P-0970 doesn’t actually exist, at least not yet. However, the Federal Register posted a Notice for a comment period that ends July 22, 2016. This means that the public has the opportunity to submit their thoughts to the Department of Veterans Affairs. What Is VA Form 21P-0970 VA Form 21P-0970 is part of […]
The VA’s New Definition Of Custodial Care
As some of my loyal readers know, I regularly peruse the VA’s Web Automated Reference Material System. WARMS, as I affectionately call it, houses VA employee manuals. These manuals direct VA employees on how to properly adjudicate claims. WARMS is updated regularly and provides valuable insight into how the VA should be operating on any given […]
BVA OR DRO APPEAL?
The Department of Veterans Affairs makes many mistakes when deciding benefits claims. The numbers are staggering. And while the VA asserts that errors are in decline, a claimant should always be prepared to receive a denial letter. Denial letters are, unfortunately, part and parcel of dealing with the VA. Given that a claimant stands a […]
Special Monthly Pension With Aid And Attendance
Detailed and well researched studies show that one reason people don’t like bureaucrats, doctors, and lawyers is because these professionals use jargon and complicated industry speak. While maybe a surprise to these well educated professionals, most people prefer clear explanations that use everyday language to explain a concept. If you can’t explain something to a […]
VA Form 21-2680
What is VA Form 21-2680? VA Form 21-2680 is the Examination for Housebound Status or Permanent Need for Regular Aid and Attendance. This form must be signed by a M.D. or D.O. If the form is signed by a nurse or physician’s assistant, the Department of Veterans Affairs will demand you submit a form signed […]