Veterans Benefits – Are You Missing Out?
The total veteran population in the United States has reached nearly 23
million, with almost 40 percent of those over the age of 65 (www.va.gov,
2011). When compared to every other country in the world, the
United States offers the most comprehensive benefits system for
assisting veterans, yet only about 36 percent of veterans receive
Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits and services according to the most
recent survey done in 2008. Of that group, 32 percent receive service
from more than one VA program and 68 percent receive one service (www.va.gov, 2011).
In
response to the growing senior veteran population, the Department of
Veterans Affairs has developed a comprehensive benefits program. The VA
health care system has grown exponentially and now boasts 798 VA
community-based outpatient clinics, 152 VA hospitals, 131 VA national
cemeteries, and 57 regional offices (www.va.gov,
2011). In addition to health care, the VA benefit system provides
support for veterans to obtain medical and long-term care, disability
pension, life insurance, home loans, vocational rehabilitation,
employment, and more.
Understanding VA Medical Benefits
Acceptance
to the VA medical benefits program is based on a number of factors: the
nature of discharge from military service; length of service; if
disabilities are service-related (either incurred or aggravated while
on active duty in the military and in the line of duty); income level;
and available VA resources.
To be eligible for
VA medical benefits, veterans must be enrolled in each state’s VA
health system. Veterans are assigned a priority level from 1-8, with 1
being the highest priority. The priority level is determined by a
veteran’s disability rating (service and non-service connected);
income; assets; and overall financial capability. The higher levels
will be required to pay a co-pay. Some areas have restricted
higher-level enrollment.
The standard medical benefits
package covers preventative care services, outpatient and inpatient
diagnostic and treatment services, prescriptions, and long-term
care. Those with a service connected disability rating are given
first priority access to available services.
All enrolled veterans are entitled these services as well:
- Geriatric evaluation – an inpatient or outpatient evaluation of the veteran’s ability to care for himself/herself.
- Adult day health care – a therapeutic day care program that provides medical and rehabilitation services.
- Respite care – allows caregivers a break for either inpatient or outpatient supportive care.
- Home
Healthcare & Homecare – nursing, physical therapy, tele-monitoring,
bathing assistance and homemaker services provided in the veteran’s own
home.
- Hospice/palliative care – provides support for terminally ill veterans and their families.
- Complete
healthcare – physicians care, labs, testing, hospital care,
prescriptions, durable medical equipment, prosthesis and long term
care. Long term care is usually reserved for service connected disabled.
- Hearing aids, eyeglasses and dental care.
Getting support with monthly disability compensation
If
veterans are eligible, opportunity for monthly financial relief exists
through a few different programs. Each with its own purpose and list of
requirements, these programs support veterans who are physically
disabled and who have little or no income.
Compensation
Service
connected disability compensation is paid to those who were injured
during service; whose condition was exaggerated by service; who were
exposed to high noise levels resulting in hearing loss; who were
exposed to mesothelioma and agent orange; who are experiencing post-
traumatic stress; and more.
Pension
The
pension is available whether the disability is related to service or
not and is paid to disabled veterans who have limited or no
income. Surviving spouses and children are also eligible.
Eligibility is based on these requirements:
- The veteran must not have been dishonorably discharged.
- If
the veteran enlisted before September 7, 1980, the veteran must have
served 90 days or more of active duty with at least one day during a
period of war. Anyone who enlisted after September 7, 1980, must serve
at least 24 months or the full period for which he was called to serve.
- The veteran must be permanently and totally disabled, or age 65 or older.
- If disabled, a letter from your doctor is needed to prove disability status.
Aid and Attendance pension
Aid
and Attendance benefits are paid in addition to disability pensions.
They are tax-free and paid to the veteran and/or his spouse or widow,
for life. Eligibility for Aid and Attendance pension is based on
criteria for service and medical, income, and expense qualifications. A
veteran, or their spouse or widow, is eligible for Aid and Attendance
benefits when the veteran:
- Requires
the aid of another person to perform Activities of Daily Living
such as bathing, feeding, dressing, etc.
- Is bedridden because of the limits of his disability.
- Is in a nursing home due to mental or physical incapacity.
- Is blind or nearly blind.
Looking at Additional Veterans Benefits
Beyond
medical and pension aids, the VA has additional channels for financial
assistance where a veteran is eligible, alleviating personal expenses
in these areas:
Life insurance
– Veterans receive access to low-cost life insurance options that
include coverage for spouses and children of service members when they
discharge. Traumatic injury and mortgage protection are also
available. A time limit for enrollment exists to enroll in this
coverage.
Home loans – Veterans
who qualify are eligible for VA home loan services, which include
guaranteed loans for the purchase of a home or to build, repair, or
improve homes.
Home & Vehicle Modification Grants – Veterans
can apply to receive a grant to modify their homes and vehicles to
accommodate for disabilities, for continued treatments or for
disability access to the home and essential lavatory and sanitary
facilities. Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) and
either a Special Home Adaptions (SHA) or Special Adaptive Housing (SAH)
are available with medical determination indicating that improvements
and structural alterations are necessary for the effective and
economical treatment of the disability.
Property Tax Abatement – Veterans with a 10% or higher service connected disability rating are eligible for a property tax abatement.
Burial Allowance & Veterans Cemetery
- VA burial allowances are partial reimbursements of an eligible
veteran's burial and funeral costs. When the cause of death is
not service related, the reimbursements are generally described as two
payments: (1) a burial and funeral expense allowance, and (2) a
plot or interment allowance.
Dependents & Survivors Compensation and Benefits – Veteran’s families with a service connected disability have healthcare, education and compensation benefits.
The
extensive benefit offering and the availability of services through the
VA makes the veterans benefits program a good avenue for seniors and
their families. Senior veterans may qualify for more than one VA
benefit, expanding the support and offering further relief to seniors.
Veterans benefits translate to money saved and create the opportunity
for a better quality of life.
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