On November 11 we celebrate the men and women who have served and sacrificed for our country. It seems only fitting that my topic this month be about the benefits available for Veterans and their dependents.

In 1789 U. S. Congress passed as law that pensions were to be provided to disabled veterans and their dependents, and in 1811 the first domiciliary and medical facility for veterans was completed. Since that time the Department of Veterans Affairs has opened a multitude of care facilities nationwide.

For a full list of the benefits provided for veterans by the Department of Veterans Affairs, go to: http://www.vba.va.gov/VBA/.

One of the little-known and underused veteran benefits is “aid and attendance,” which is a pension that provides disability income.  It’s called “aid and attendance” because many veterans or their single surviving spouses can become eligible if they have a regular need for the aid and attendance of a caregiver, or if they are housebound. Evidence of this need for care must be certified by the VA.

Pension can pay qualified veteran recipients as much as $1,949 a month in disability income.  To receive Pension, a veteran must have served on active duty, at least 90 days, with at least one of those days during a period of war. There must be a discharge under conditions other than dishonorable. Single surviving spouses of such veterans are also eligible. If younger than 65, the veteran must be totally disabled. If age 65 or older, there is no requirement for disability. There is no age or disability requirement for a single surviving spouse.

There are income requirements, but a special provision allows household income to be reduced by 12 months worth of future, recurring medical expenses.

Thomas Day, Director, National Care Planning Council, has written two books to help veterans obtain this long term care benefit. The first, “How to Apply for the Aid & Attendance Pension Benefit” explains what the benefit is and how to get it. All forms necessary for filing a claim are included in the book. Tom recommends if you have excessive assets and income or are not sure how to apply medical deductions, use the services of a qualified veterans benefits consultant.

The second book, “Aid & Attendance Handbook for Professionals & Consultants,” is for the professional consultant. The secret for receiving a successful award for aid and attendance or housebound ratings is not in filling out the form, but in knowing what documents and evidence must be submitted with the application.