Law Office of Donald D. Vanarelli Blog

I am happy to report that, as of September 19, 2008, I am an accredited attorney for “the preparation, presentation and prosecution of claims for veterans benefits before the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).” The purpose of VA’s accreditation program is to ensure that claimants for VA benefits receive qualified assistance in preparing and presenting [...]

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(The following is based upon a real discussion that recently took place on an elder law listserv for attorneys. It illustrates the misinformation that is often inadvertently provided to consumers by government agency personnel concerning the availability of and eligibility criteria for needs-based public benefits.)
Question: I recently contacted the Veterans Administration (VA) about applying for [...]

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The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers a wide range of benefits and services to eligible veterans, members of their families, and survivors of deceased veterans. VA programs include disability compensation and pensions, readjustment benefits, and health care programs. The VA also provides life insurance, burial benefits, housing and other loan guaranty programs, and special [...]

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Recently, I wrote about the fact that VA Aid & Attendance Benefits are not countable as income in determining eligibility for Medicaid benefits. The same is true for Supplemental Security Income benefits. That is, VA Aid & Attendance Benefits are not countable as income in determining eligibility for SSI benefits either. The regulation is contained [...]

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In recent presentations to staff at assisted living facilities, I was told that staff members hesitated to recommend to appropriate facility residents that they should apply for Veteran’s Administration (VA) Aid & Attendance benefits, even when the residents had limited income and/or resources and would financially benefit from the additional income that the VA benefit [...]

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