Law Office of Donald D. Vanarelli Blog

Following are the increased rates paid by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)  beginning in 2013 for Base Pension benefits, with Housebound and Aid and Attendance supplements. The higher rates include a 1.7% cost of living increase. For the Veteran Monthly VA Base Pension Benefits: Without Dependents: $1,037 With One Dependent: $1,359 Monthly Housebound Benefits: [...]

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On October 26, 2012, David McLenachen, Director of the Pension and Fiduciary Division, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), issued Fast Letter 12-23. Described as a clarification of VA policy, this fast letter actually substantially tightened the eligibility criteria for veterans and others residing in senior or independent living facilities who apply for needs-based VA pension [...]

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Aid and Attendance is a benefit that is available through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to a qualifying veteran whose net worth is not “excessive” and who: is bedridden, or requires the aid of another person to perform activities of daily living, or is a nursing home resident, as a result of mental or [...]

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The Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) pension program is intended to provide money benefits to wartime veterans in financial need. It is available to veterans aged 65 and older and those with non-service connected disabilities, as well as to their surviving spouses and dependent children. To be eligible for VA pension benefits, a claimant must [...]

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The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recently announced the release of 68 new forms that the agency anticipates will help speed the processing of veterans’ disability compensation and pension claims. These forms can be completed by private physicians, eliminating the need for a VA clinic examination in certain circumstances. “VA employees will be able to [...]

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1. 2012 Maximum Pension Rates for VA Base Pension Plus Aid and Attendance Supplement Single Veteran – $1,703.00 Per Month or $20,447.00 Per Year Married Veteran – $2,019.00 Per Month or $24,239.00 Per Year Surviving Spouse – $1,094.00 Per Month or $13,138.00 Per Year Veteran Married to Veteran (Both A & A) – $2,631.00 Per [...]

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Who Can Help Me Fill Out the Forms? Any non-accredited individual may assist with completing the forms; however, this individual is allowed to assist ONLY one person. A VA accredited agent or a service organization, such as your local State Veterans Office, VFW, or American Legion may help you, as well as a VA accredited [...]

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Veterans and their families should be aware of the various benefits that may be available to them through the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (“VA”). I.       GENERAL HEALTH AND OTHER PROGRAMS The VA offers many special programs for veterans, among which are the following: Benefits for returning veterans: Health care for 5 years [...]

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Effective December 1, 2011 The COLA increases for major Pension benefits follow. Charts showing COLA increases for all Pension benefits and for all parents’ Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) benefits are attached here. Single Veteran Base Pension: $12,256 annually; $1,021 monthly Supplements: Housebound: $14,978 annually; $1,248 monthly Aid & Attendance: $20,447 annually; $1,703 monthly Veteran [...]

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Following are descriptions of several of the issues which attorneys at my law office have confronted in recent claims we filed on behalf of veterans and their dependents seeking non-service connected pension benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) which may be of interest to readers. Life Insurance The face value of a life [...]

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