Archive for the ‘VA Benefits’ Category

Can a veteran’s mother make a claim for Aid and Attendance?

Although, his mother is considered a dependent, on a veteran's service connected compensation claim, if the veteran is rated 30% or more, in my opinion, the VA will not allow a parent to be a dependent on a non service connected pension claim. Because, dependent children and spouses are only allowed, as dependents, on a non service connected pension claims.

Veteran resides at an assisted living facility but wants to retain her home?

If you rent the home this is income. Therefore you have to report this income, and it can affect your aid and attendance. Consequently, prepare a caregiving agreement, where a family member will reside in the residence, and they will pay the taxes and property insurance only.  This is exempt as rental income. Therefore, you do not have to declare the money paid by the family member, as this is considered family maintenance. Additionally, the veteran must retain the right of occupancy i.e. to occupy the home at any time. Therefore, the home remains an exempt asset.

What are some benefits of having Senior Life Care Planning help your aging parents?

“Hiring Senior Life Care Planning, is the best decision you will ever make for your parents proper care and support” states one of our clients.

Will the VA take into account the spouse’s assets if there is a legal separation (rather than divorce?)

Hand write “separated from spouse and filing as single vet”.

What happens to a Veteran’s VA Benefits if they receive Medicaid?

The veteran, if qualified for Medicaid, will receive $90.00 for personal needs only. This is non-countable by Medicaid; however, some Medicaid agencies make it countable income. Additionally, $90 is only for single claimants; not married veterans.  However, if the community spouse has sufficient Unreimbursed Medical Expenses, and the veteran’s out-of-pocket expenses, this offsets total household gross income. Therefore, if the veteran is on Medicaid, continues to receive the full pension plus Aid and Attendance of $1,949.00 per month. For more in to increase your monthly income, please contact us about a FREE HANDBOOK about VA Benefits, written by David Wingate,…

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Can a Veteran have both service connected and non-service connected benefits?

No. If the veteran is rated 100%, they may receive an additional amount – special monthly compensation (SMC), if the need for Aid & Attendance is a service connected condition.  Also, if the veteran, rated under100%, is unemployable due to his service connected condition, they can file for unemployability. Therefore, their rating is 100%. Consequently, file for the SMC. These VA benefits exceed NSC pension. Also, if the veteran is married, they will receive additional money.  Remember, that assets, income, and UME do not matter in a SC claim. However, if his SC condition is not the cause for increased care, you may…

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What is the difference, by the VA, between a licensed health professional and non-licensed for caregiving?

If an in-home attendant is caring for a disabled person who … has been rated housebound or in need of Aid and Attendance, by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Then allow for a deduction for the wages … of the in-home attendant, even if the attendant is not a licensed health professional.Note: A family member may be considered an in-home attendant only if he/she is actually being paid. Documentation must be submitted. If an in-home attendant is caring for a disabled person who … has not been rated housebound or in need of A&A by the Department of Veterans Affairs….

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What VA Benefits are Available for a Service Connected Veteran’s Surviving Spouse?

The spouse must file within one year of the veterans death to preserve a retroactive payment date of the first day of the month after the vet’s death.

Can your net worth disqualify you from VA Benefits?

YES. Net worth means your and your dependents net household asset value . It includes such assets as bank accounts, stocks, bonds, mutual funds and any property other than the veteran’s residence. There is no official set cap, unlike Medicaid, on how much net worth a veteran and his dependents can have, but net worth cannot be excessive. The decision as to whether a claimant’s net worth is excessive depends on the facts of each case i.e life expectancy – 96 year old has $50k, rather than 70 year old with $50k. There are some  exclusions to income that allow…

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What is countable income for veteran’s AID AND ATTENDANCE eligibility purposes?

What is countable income for veteran’s AID AND ATTENDANCE eligibility purposes?  Any income received by the veteran and in the household is countable income. It includes earnings, disability and retirement payments, interest and dividends, and net income from farming or business. Please note that the VA and Medicaid view income and assets differently – for example – there is a presumption that all of a child’s income is available to or for the veteran and Medicaid has a five year look back period unlike the VA. To increase your monthly income, please contact us about a FREE VA benefits HANDBOOK,…

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