The United States Department of Veteran's Affairs has three Administrative branches that oversee numerous benefit programs for Veteran's benefits. Veteran's benefits continue to be underutilized because of many complex eligibility rules and a general lack of understanding about the application process amongst the general public and the approximately 25 million Veterans who could be entitled to benefits.
The Veteran's Health Administration ("VHA") oversees all of the health care facilities (VA Hospitals) and its mission is to provide primary care, specialized care and related medical and social services to Veterans.
The National Cemetery Administration ("NCA") provides burial benefits for Veterans, along with maintaining the Arlington National Cemetery.
Finally, the Veteran's Benefits Administration ("VBA") administers Veterans' benefits inclusive of re-adjustment education, disability pensions and compensation.
Service Connected Disability Compensation is a non-means tested benefit. A Veteran is eligible for this compensation if the Veteran's Administration determines that a Veteran's disease or injury was incurred or aggravated as a result of service in the United States Military. "Non Service" connected pensions are subject to a means test, with income and asset limits. War Time Service in the Military is a requirement for pension benefits and these periods are defined by the Veteran's Administration.
Additional pension benefits include "Housebound Allowance" and "Aid and Attendance". The Housebound benefit is paid in addition to a monthly pension if a Veteran leaves home with only assistance for medical care or rehabilitation.
Aid and Attendance is also paid, in addition to a monthly pension benefit. To be eligible, a Veteran must require ongoing aid and attendance from someone else for the performance of activities of daily living ("ADLS"). There are also spousal allowances, inclusive of death pension for Veterans' surviving spouse or unmarried child, housebound allowance for survivors and aid and attendance for surviving spouse or unmarried child, as well as, a Veteran's burial allowance.
PLEASE NOTE: An Attorney needs to be accredited to present claims for Veteran's benefits before the Department of Veterans Affairs.