As we all know, the VA claims process can take a long time from the submission of an application to the payment of a benefit. Historically, the process has ranged from a few months to well over a year. If the claimant is found to be incompetent, one could tack on another six to eight months to the process. Oftentimes, the claimant dies before ever seeing an award and with no hope of payment of benefits to the family. This begs us to ask, "Is there a way to speed the claim up?" The answer is "Yes" in most cases. …
Accreditation refers to the authority granted by the VA to those who meet the standards established by the VA. VA's stated purpose in requiring accreditation is to ensure that claimants for VA benefits receive "qualified assistance in preparing and presenting their claims." Firms or Individuals who are not accredited cannot offer advice to anyone on filing a claim for pension. In order to provide a consultation on a client's individual claim you must be accredited. You cannot help someone or advise someone on an application and then have the family file a claim unless you are accredited.
Report to the VA with an assisted living facility letter and a revised medical expense report (form 21-8416). But, if the pension amount is not affected, you may wait until the next EVR to report the change. However, if the pension amount is improved or decreased due to the relocation of the surviving spouse, report it immediately. To increase your monthly income, please contact us about a FREE VA benefits HANDBOOK, 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 Maryland…
Being married during service is not relevant. However, widow must be married to veteran for at least one year or have had a child by him if married less than one; living with him throughout the marriage and at the time of death to qualify for either pension or DIC. To increase your monthly income, please contact us about a FREE VA benefits HANDBOOK, 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 Maryland Veterans Benefits website. Please review our Blog…
There are specific statements VA Adjudicators are now looking for on VA Form 21-2680 (Examination for Housebound Status or Permanent Need for Aid and Attendance) and if these statements are not included, denials are being made.
Obtaining the Aid and Attendance non-service connected pension benefit, for veterans and surviving spouses, can help the claimant age in place in the least restrictive setting, be it in their home or an assisted living facility.
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