VA Benefits(2)

ksgorr

I went to my first support group last month and all the women were my age!  It was like walking into a book club of friends.  I'm going every month.  These women are a wealth of knowledge and compassion.

I asked many questions of the group and someone mentioned the Veterans Admin and its benefits for Alz veterans.  It never even crossed my mind.  My husband is a veteran of Viet Nam.  We have already been in contact with the VA and have switched to a team of VA physicians.  There are lots of benefits.  Be pro-active and find out the info if your loved one qualifies.  

And now I'm trying to find an elder law attorney in the Raleigh area.....any info is appreciated.  This is exhausting, and I'm just starting.  My husband has mild ALZ but I see changes and it scares me.

Sign me, "so tired of crying".

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NavyVet

Why are you looking for a lawyer? I arranged VA benefits for my father using a VSO for free. Now, my dad has been approved for a VA pension. If this is your goal, no lawyer needed.

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NavyVet

Yes, if the the party is unable than a legal representative or better yet a POA needs to be assigned. I am my father's POA. I reached out to Veterans Affairs of Arizona and attained a Veterans assigned counselor. We filed for a VA pension back in March. I finally received the decision letter today with approval. This is a free service provided by the VA to the veteran. 

The VA site under pension provides eligibility requirements. These requirements are 1. Served in the military during time of war, 2. Medically deemed unable to care of oneself, and 3. Meet income/expense suitable for aid. Then a claim will be submitted by the VSO on the individuals behalf. Typical financial documents along with medical declaration from the medical provider stating the individual to be mental/physical disabled. In addition, the individual need to provide documentation they need assistance with daily living from another which is typically a facility. 

My father has moderate Alzheimer diseases with physical degradation requiring MC. My father receives a pension, but it's not enough to pay expenses. This makes him eligible. Now, he is receiving $2k per month. Any changes in income needs to be reported. 

I understand this to be difficult. I have seen first hand the elderly getting scammed. It truly breaks my heart and makes me angry. I have seen Vets turn to the lawyers or false VA reps and be scammed or at least pay for services when not needed. The VA provides VSOs to be of assistance for free. I just wanted to make a comment a lawyer is not needed unless chosen. 

NavyVet

I just wanted to make sure to clarify. I made the assumption the lawyer request was for VA Benefits and not legal matters such as attaining POA, Estate Planning, and ect....After seeing the link sent to me I may have misunderstood the request for a lawyer. Absolutely, need to go to a lawyer first to make sure all legal matters are in order. This was the first thing I did back in 2019 when my father was DX with Alzheimers. This is a must!!!