Understanding Veterans Benefits
A Veteran’s Guide to the VA: Understanding Your Benefits
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides a wide range of benefits to those who have served our country. However, the system is vast and complex, and applicants often face significant roadblocks, especially with certain programs. Understanding the different branches of the VA and the benefits they offer is the first step toward securing the support you have earned.
The Three Branches of the VA
The VA is divided into three main administrations, each with a distinct mission:
- Veterans Health Administration (VHA): Responsible for providing healthcare services, from clinics to hospitals.
- National Cemetery Administration (NCA): Manages burial and memorial benefits for veterans and their families.
- Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA): Handles the financial benefits, primarily disability compensation and pensions.
While the VHA and NCA are relatively straightforward, the VBA is where most families encounter challenges, particularly with the long-term care pension program.
The Two Paths of Financial Support: Disability vs. Pension
The VBA oversees two very different financial programs, and it’s crucial not to confuse them:
- Disability Compensation: This is for veterans who have an injury or illness that was caused or made worse by their active military service.
- The VA Pension (often called “Aid & Attendance”): This is a separate, needs-based benefit for wartime veterans (and their surviving spouses) with limited income and assets. It is not a retirement pension; it is a reimbursement program designed to help pay for the high costs of long-term care.
The Challenge of the VA Pension Program
Our firm most often helps seniors with the VA Pension benefit because its rules are so complex. While many groups offer to help with the application, they often don’t understand the intricate financial tests, leading to denials. To qualify, you must pass both an income and an asset test. The VA also has a 3-year look-back period, which can penalize families who have gifted assets.
An initial denial is common, not because a veteran is ineligible, but because they did not receive professional guidance before applying. This is why it is essential to consult an experienced elder law attorney who is also a VA-Accredited Advisor.
An accredited attorney can help you navigate the complex rules and create a legal strategy to meet the financial requirements before you apply. This proactive approach is a critical part of any plan for your long-term care and is the most effective way to secure the VA benefits you are entitled to.
Call our office at (919) 256-7000 to schedule a consultation.