Veterans Aid and Attendance
Extra VA pension help for daily care.
Overview
Aid and Attendance is an added amount on a VA pension for veterans or surviving spouses who need help with daily activities like bathing, dressing or taking medicine, or who live in a care facility.
The rules look at military service, income, assets and medical need. We explain whether it may fit, help gather records, and prepare the application.
Is this for you?
Families usually call us about VA Aid and Attendance when:
- A parent served during a wartime period and now needs care at home or in assisted living
- A surviving spouse of a wartime veteran is paying for care
- You heard about the benefit but do not know where to start
- A claim was denied or has stalled
What we help with
- Reviewing service, income and assets
- The medical forms the VA needs
- Preparing the application
- Planning for VA and Medicaid together
How it works
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Step 1: Service records
We start with discharge papers, often called a DD-214. If they are missing, we help you request them.
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Step 2: Money and care costs
The VA has a net worth limit and counts care costs in its own way. We review both with you.
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Step 3: Medical evidence
A doctor's statement about the help your parent needs is a key part of the claim. We tell you exactly what to ask for.
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Step 4: Apply and follow up
We send a complete application and keep track of it, so you are not left wondering where it stands.
What it costs
Example flat fees and ranges for this sample firm. Your fee is written down before any work starts.
| Service and example fee | Example fee |
|---|---|
| Help preparing an initial VA pension application VA rules limit when anyone may charge for help with a claim No fee | No fee |
| Combined VA and long-term care planning Quoted in writing before we start | Quoted in writing before we start |
| Help after a decision or a denial Explained in writing first, under VA fee rules | Explained in writing first, under VA fee rules |
What we cannot promise
The VA decides every claim. We cannot promise approval, an amount, or a timeline. We will never suggest moving money in a way that could hurt Medicaid eligibility later without explaining the risk in plain words first.
Questions families ask
Did my father need to serve in combat?
No. The rules look at service during a wartime period, not combat. There are other service and discharge rules we check with you.
Can a surviving spouse apply?
Yes. A surviving spouse of a wartime veteran may qualify, under similar income, asset and medical rules.
How long does the VA take?
It varies, and it can take many months. A complete application helps avoid delays, so we take care to send everything the first time.
Who you will work with
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Priya Raman
Attorney
Related practice areas
Talk to us about VA Aid and Attendance.
Book a consultation online in about three minutes, or call and a real person will answer. We return every call within one business day.