Any War-Time Veteran with 90 days of active duty, 1 day beginning or ending during a period of War, is eligible to apply for the Aid & Attendance Improved Pension.  A surviving spouse (marriage must have ended due to death of veteran) of a War-Time Veteran may also apply. The individual applying must qualify both medically and financially.  The periods of war that have been qualified by Congress, are as follows:

• World War II:  December 7, 1941, through December 31, 1946, extended to July 25, 1947, where continuous with active duty on or before December 31, 1946
• Korean Conflict:  June 27 1950, through January 31, 1955
• Vietnam Era:  August 5, 1964, through May 7 1975 However, February 2, 1961, through May 7, 1975, for a veteran who served in the Republic of Vietnam during that period.
• Persian Gulf War:  August 2, 1990, through a date to be prescribed by Presidential proclamation or kaw 91

2014 the maximum monthly benefits for those qualifying for the Aid and Attendance level of Pension is:

• Veteran with no Spouse or dependent children: $1758
• Surviving Spouse of a Veteran: $1130
• Married couple where the Veteran requires care $2085
• Veteran is healthy but spouse requires care. Veteran qualifies for Income Improvement Pension:  $1380

To qualify medically, a War-Time Veteran or surviving spouse must need the assistance of another person to perform daily tasks, such as eating, dressing, undressing, taking care of the needs of nature, etc.  Being blind or in a nursing home for mental or physical incapacity, or residing in an assisted living facility also qualifies. Eligibility must be proven by filing the proper Veterans Application for Pension or Compensation.  This application will require a copy of the DD-214 (see below for more information) or separation papers, Medical evaluation from a physician, current medical issues, net worth limitations, and net income, along with out-of-pocket Medical Expenses. To qualify financially, an applicant must have on average less than $80,000 in assets, EXCLUDING their home and vehicles. What documents do I need to include with the application?

• Discharge/separation Papers (DD-214.  If you need to request military records, please visit: www.vetrees.archives.gov to get a copy.
• Copy of Marriage Certificate (for surviving spouse or when filing for both the veteran and spouse)
• Copy of current Social Security Award letter (Letter that SS sends at the beginning of the year stating what your monthly amount will be for the following year).
• Net worth information, including bank accounts, CD’s, Trust, Stocks, Bonds, Annuities, etc.
• Proof of all income from pensions, retirement, interest income from investments, annuities, etc.
• Proof of insurance premiums, medications, medical bills or any other medical expenses that are not reimbursed by insurance or Medicare.
• Physician statement that includes current diagnosis, medical status, prognosis, name and address, ability to care for self, ability to travel unattended, etc.  If you are a veteran in a nursing home, or a family member of a veteran in a nursing home, you use this form as a certification of that status:
• Nursing Home Status Form
• Banking information for Direct Deposit of monthly payments (including a voided check).
• List of all doctors and hospitals visited in the last year.

Be sure to include VA form 21-0845 (Authorization to Disclose Personal Information to a Third Party) if you are filing for your loved one and need to oversee the application process.  Without this authorization, the VA will not discuss the application with you. Never send originals and ALWAYS send all correspondence “Registered Return Receipt” as well as keeping a complete copy of everything for your own records. To request a copy of a DD-214 visit:  www.vetrec.archives.gov Go to http://www.veteranaid.org/faq.hp for more information. Brookfield Senior Living representatives are able and willing to help veterans with the process.