The Elrod Firm

Veterans Benefits

How Can I Plan Ahead for VA Benefits?

Justin, I read your comment that planning ahead for VA benefits is more crucial now than ever. Can you clarify why you say that and explain how I can plan ahead?

What Changed at the VA?

Justin, I read some of the things you recently published about changes to the rules for VA benefits. Can you provide a quick rundown of what happened?

VA Makes Major Changes to Benefit Rules

On October 18, 2018, the rules for the VA benefit often called “Aid and Attendance” will be dramatically different. The Aid and Attendance benefit provides a monthly, tax-free income to veterans and their surviving spouses when they meet certain requirements. Those requirements fall into three categories.

Are The Stories True?

Justin, My mother is in a nursing home for rehab right now, but the staff is confident that she’ll stay for long-term care when rehab ends. To say my dad is worried is an understatement. He’s extremely concerned about being apart from mom, but he’s also in a panic about money. He was told they’d have to private pay until they’re broke before they can expect any financial help. What should I tell him?

What Went Wrong?

Justin, My father filed for VA Aid and Attendance benefits six months ago.  After waiting all that time, all he got was a confusing denial.  The letter he received referenced old accounts he no longer has and interest income that was generated by those accounts.  What could have gone wrong?

What Exactly Is Elder Law?

Justin, I read your column every week, and I feel like I’ve learned so much.  Thank you!  You keep saying that your law firm practices Elder Law.  What exactly is Elder Law?

Are There Programs To Help With Home Care?

Justin, My name is Pam and I am a long-time reader of your column. I am writing about my mother, Geraldine. She lives at home and is in decent health. Over the last two years since my father’s passing, her health has declined. She stopped driving and reluctantly hired in-home care for a few hours per day as recommended by her doctor. She is concerned that she will be forced into a nursing home one day when she can no longer afford to pay for home care. Mom owns her home, some savings, and is the widow of a Vietnam veteran.   Do any programs exist to help her?

Why Won’t Medicare Pay Our Long-Term Care Costs?

Justin, my husband has been receiving rehabilitation in a nursing home for the past two months, but I just received word that Medicare isn’t going to pay for his care any longer. I was told we’d owe over $5,000 per month starting next week. What have we done wrong? Why won’t Medicare cover his expenses?

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