A veteran can receive full military retirement (through the DOD) and full VA pension. However, the military retirement is countable income towards the IVAP in calculating the pension amount. If a veteran is rated less than 50% service connected, he can choose full taxable military retirement and no non-taxable VA compensation OR offset his taxable military retirement by the amount of non-taxable compensation. If a veteran is rated 50% or greater service connected, he keeps both military retirement and VA compensation. The amount (which would otherwise be offset) is called concurrent retirement disability payment (CRDP) and is taxable. Additionally, the veteran can keep…
As a registered member, veterans will be sent updates on ongoing health studies related to PCE exposure, and they can use that information when determining their next step,
A veteran’s widow is currently receiving $1,400 in DIC, VA benefits. The widow now requires A & A. Although she cannot receive A & A, she can file for the additional DIC benefit of $286.00 per month, making her total $1,686.00 per month. The forms required are 21-2680 stating her need for protective environment and/or A & A completed by the doctor and the 21-4142. You will need the 21-22a if an agent is requested. Additionally, if she has not filed for CHAMPVA, she should file for these free medical insurance benefits also. These forms are 10-10d and 10-7959c To increase your…
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…
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…
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…