Is there a time frame a surviving spouse has to file after her husband’s death to receive Veteran’s Benefits?

Surviving spouse of veteran, who died several years ago, requires additional income for an assisted living facility. Is there a time frame that she has to file after her husband’s death?  No, she can file any time, but the effective date will become the date that the VA receives the first written request; i.e. informal request or primary application. Payment date (if awarded) will be the first day of the next month. If Veteran was receiving Veteran’s Benefits and she filed within one year of his death, the effective date is the date of his death. To increase your monthly…

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Can a totally disabled, service connected Veteran receive Social Security benefits and Veteran’ Benefits?

Yes. However, the Social Security benefit is countable income towards the VA pension IVAP (IVAP is the income for VA purposes, which is total household gross income minus (total household UME minus 5% of what the MAPR for base pension would be, given the status of the claimant; i.e. single vet, married vet, surviving spouse.   However, a claimant can have both Social Security and VA if the annual IVAP is less than the maximum annual pension rate (MAPR).   A claimant can also have SS and VA service connected compensation or DID. To increase your monthly income, please contact us about a…

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How do you obtain a Purple Heart?

Submit a Purple Heart application to the Purple Heart Review Board (PHRB).

What is the effect of reducing assets when a VA benefit’s claim has been filed and pending?

What is the effect of reducing assets when a VA benefit’s claim has been filed and pending?  After a claim is filed, usually, the transfer of assets is not allowed. Therefore, the claim will be denied, and, as previously blogged this will raise Fraud issues.  To increase your monthly income, please contact us about a FREE HANDBOOK about VA Benefits, written by David Wingate, an accredited VA Attorney, of Senior Life Care Planning, LLC, go to info@seniorlcp.com or if you require additional information about VA Benefits, visit our Senior LCP's Website. We also have a Blog on Elder Issues and Veteran's…

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The surviving spouse cannot collect any deceased veteran’s benefits.

However, a surviving spouse, of a 70% rated veteran, can apply for his/her own DIC benefits, if the veteran died service connected.

What is the Vet entitled, in regard to VA Benefits?

A typical scenario, a married Vietnam Vet, with children, exposed to Agent Orange, has heart and diabetes issues, complications with diabetes, has leg amputated, but has not requested any VA Benefits or help from the VA. What is the Vet entitled, in regard to VA Benefits? The Vet may be rated 100%, if the amputation can be linked to the diabetes. Additionally, file for special monthly compensation due to the loss of a limb.  If served in combat, the Vet maybe rated for PTSD. Also, if the diabetes is causing a heart condition, the Vet should pursue this.. As the Vet is…

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Regarding VA Benefits, what is “Presumptive” Service Connection?

Participated in atmospheric nuclear testing; occupied or was a POW in Hiroshima or Nagasaki; service before 2/1/92 at a diffusion plant in Paducah, KY, Portsmouth, OH, or Oak Ridge, TN; or service before 1/1/74 at Amchitka Island, AK

Is there a waiting period before re-applying for Veteran’s Benefits?

No. There is no waiting period to re-apply for Veteran’s Benefits, after you become eligible.

Regarding Veteran’s Benefits – What is a Survivor Benefit Plan?

The Survivor Benefits Plan (SBP) is money paid by the Department of Defense to a surviving spouse, whose military retired spouse (typically 20 years plus in service) paid into the system.