In a previous post, I gave you a list of who exactly is a “wartime veteran” – according to the VA powers-that-be. And I’m sure you really want to know how these benefits divide up! What can your loved one receive if he or she has medical expenses due to long term care? This information is focused on benefits for veterans with Alzheimer’s, dementia and memory problems, or a host of other diseases that can cause them to become homebound or need the constant care of another – not for those wounded in battle.

Most people think of veteran’s benefits as being only for servicemen and women who were wounded or disabled while serving in the armed forces. By and large, that is true. But – we have learned that there are substantial benefits that may be available to wartime veterans who are now senior citizens and are facing the burden of long term care due to a host of diseases such as Alzheimers, MS, Lou Gehrig’s Disease, Parkinson’s and many others.

The most important thing for you to know is that the maximum benefit available can provide significant help in paying for the long-term care costs of veterans/surviving spouses who are homebound or in a care facility.

The wartime veteran has earned possible eligibility for this assistance simply by serving our country, even if their current disability is not connected to their military service. That’s why this is NOT a handout or charity – after all, our veterans served our country, risking their lives, and the least we can do is support them in their time of need.

Nonetheless, I have learned that claims examiners do sometimes view the benefits for veterans whose disability is connected to their service (disability compensation) to be similar to “worker’s compensation,” which is money that is paid to an employee who is injured on the job. For these service-connected benefits, the VA has a system of rating an employee’s disability as a percentage. For example, VA examiners may rate someone as low as 10% or as high as 100%. The injured serviceman/woman receives a check based on a rating, and NOT based on need.

Now, wartime veterans (and their surviving spouses) whose disabilities are not caused by their service become eligible for the Special Monthly Pension benefit when they are over 65 years of age; are permanently disabled and unable to work; are homebound; or need the regular aid and attendance of another – whether at home, in assisted/supportive living, or in a nursing home. The program is based on actual financial need for assistance, so there are income and asset limitations.

Now, when you read the above paragraph and discover that you must be “permanently disabled” in order to qualify… you might be thinking that you felt a little “creaky” getting out of bed this morning, but you don’t think you are permanently disabled.

It might surprise you to find out, however, that if you are at least 65 years old, the VA automatically presumes you meet the disability test. So fear not, qualification may, with the right advice, be easier than you’d think! Give my office a call at (913) 338-5713 to discuss whether you or your loved one qualifies for these benefits.

Valley View United Methodist Church has been hosting a program for Kansas City individuals with disabilities for over 30 years. Volunteers coordinate activities and disabled persons and their loved ones are given the opportunity to spend quality time with other people who are facing challenges similar to their own. The program is available to anyone age 13 or over with a disability and meets Thursday nights between September and June. To learn more about the program or to find out how to volunteer, call 913-642-4400, ext. 22

Care Program Provides Friends and Fun – Kansas City Star