VA claims help for veterans families and survivors

Service connected disabilities

Original claims need medical proof of current disability/Doctor opinion that current disability was caused by some injury or chronic illness incurred or aggravated while on active duty.

Claims to increase an existing service connected disability need current medical evaluation as to how severely disabling it is now, including any limitations the disability imposes on employment and/or ability to perform normal adult daily living tasks plus any other disabilities it may have caused the veteran that also currently exists.

Non-service connected total disability pensions for certain wartime veterans

Requires 90 or more days active duty - one of which must have been during officially recognized period of wartime.

Requires VA determine the veteran is totally disabled considering medical problems, education, work history, and age. Requires current medical proof of all disabling conditions. New law change provides otherwise eligible veterans age 65 and older do not have to provide medical proof of total disability. Their age alone meets this criteria. Requires income and asset be below legal levels.

Survivors Pension

Requires surviving spouse to be widow(er) of a wartime veteran(see non-service connected disability pensions for certain wartime veterans).

Requires surviving spouse have total monthly income from all sources and assets below maximums established by law. Levels are different for basic pensions, housebound aid and attendance.

If approved the VA pays the difference between all countable monthly income and maximum rate payable for the surviving spouses current condition.

Special Help For Residents Of Nursing Homes And ALF'S

Special help up to $1,743 may be available for veterans or surviving spouses residing in Assisted Living Facilities(ALF's) or Nursing Homes when their health problems make them Housebound or in need of Aid and Attendance of another person to accomplish most adult daily living tasks.