The Veterans Administration provides an important benefit for veterans who have a service-connected disability. This benefit is called "Compensation" and is different from the non-service-connected "Pension" benefit that elder law attorneys often discuss with wartime veteran clients or their surviving spouses. Like pension, VA compensation comes in the form of income-tax-free money payments to the veteran, who must have received a discharge other than dishonorable, and to certain of their family members. The big difference from the pension program, however, is that VA compensation entirely flows from the linkage between the veteran's disability (or death)and his or her military service….
David Wingate attended a VA Continuing Education Class. The course covered claims procedures, VA eligibility, service and non service connected pensions, and additional information related to VA benefits. Only VA ACCREDITED AGENTS can help you with VA applications, otherwise, its against the law. Related articles Filing a VA Claim
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. …
There is much confusion about whether or not the cost of ANY facility is still considered by the VA as a medical expense to offset total household gross income for VA pension purposes. VA Fast Letter 12-23, dated October 26, 2012, was intended to clarify this issue as it relates to independent living facilities. Unfortunately, like with many government explanations, the issue is still very confusing to many people. Although this Fast Letter was intended to explain the costs associated with independent living, many VA adjudicators are applying its rules to assisted living facilities as well. The old saying, "When in Rome…."…
The Department of VA has stated it will hire 1,600 additional mental health care professionals by the end of June to address the increased psychological needs of veterans. From 2005 to 2012, the number of veterans receiving specialized treatment for depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse, or other behavioral conditions has increased from 927,052 to 1.3 million. However, some worry that this initiative will do little to address the country’s shortage of mental health providers. Read the story.
Veterans and their families can learn about a Veterans benefit that will help cover the cost of long term care at a free seminar at the FSK American Legion Post #11, 1450 Taney Avenue, Frederick, Maryland. The seminar, presented by elder law attorney, David Wingate is Thursday, April 12 th, 2012, at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. The cost of long term care can be expensive, often times depleting assets that have been accumulated over a lifetime. But veterans may qualify for Aid and Attendance from the VA. Eligible veterans may qualify for a benefit of up to $2,000 a…
U.S. Treasury regulation (31 CFR Part 208) requires that on or after May 1, 2011, all recipients applying for or receiving benefits from a Federal agency by paper check, must be informed by the agency that they are required to receive their payments electronically. Their choices are either via electronic funds transfer or Direct Express ® Debit MasterCard® issued by Comerica Bank. If the claimant does not provide VA with their banking information to allow their federal benefits to be sent directly to their bank, they will receive their initial VA benefit in the form of a paper check, for…
Compensation Service expanded and updated the Intranet ships list website: http://vba.vba.va.gov/bl/21/rating/docs/shiplist.doc located at the Vietnam Era Navy Ship Agent Orange Exposure Development Site under “Rating Job Aids”. (Remember, you have to be inside VA’s firewall to access this website.) The website now includes additional ships based on evidence documenting inland waterway travel, shore/pier docking, or close coastal offshore operations with small boats and/or crew members going ashore. This website serves as a development tool for claims from veterans who served aboard ships operating on the offshore “blue water” of Vietnam. Development procedures are explained in Training Letter (TL) 10-06, Adjudicating…
The greatest fears of seniors are one, running out of money, and two, ending up in a nursing home. Consequently, they lose their personal independence. Also, the loss of their hard earned savings. The average cost of nursing home care in Maryland is approximately $100,000 to $150,000 per year, dependent on your location, within the state. Unfortunately, most seniors pay for nursing home care utilizing their savings until it’s depleted. Subsequently, they qualify for Medicaid. Therefore, Medicaid will pay the cost of the nursing home, less all the senior’s income. With asset planning, whether in advance or in response to…
We help people navigate thru the Medicaid maze, provide legal and financial solutions, and help you alleviate your frustrations and time involvement. For the FREE GUIDE, to protect yourself, your family, and insure your Quality of Life click on “The Planning Ahead Alzheimer’s Guide” “Caring For Someone With Alzheimer’s Disease” 1. Do you reside in Maryland? Yes No 2. Do you worry about long term care or nursing home costs? Yes No 3. Are you confused about Medicaid or VA benefits? Yes No 4. Is being discharged from the hospital and returning…
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