Veterans Benefits
What are some of the different types of Veteran benefits?
- Aid & Attendance Benefits
Aid & Attendance is a pension benefit that is paid directly to veterans to be used for in-home care, board and care, assisted living communities, and private pay nursing homes. To be eligible, . Additionally, the veteran must require aid in activities of daily living, be mostly bed ridden, be in a nursing home due to a mental or physical incapacity, or have poor eyesight.
To apply, write to the Pension Management Center (PMC) that covers the State of Tennessee, or visit your local regional benefit office to file a request. Write the PMC at:
Milwaukee VA Pension Center
Department of Veterans Affairs
Claims Intake Center
Attention: Milwaukee Pension Center
P. O. Box 5192
Janesville, WI 53547-5192
Fax: 1-844-655-1604An application for Aid & Attendance benefits should include copies of any evidence of the veteran’s condition, such as a detailed report from an attending physician that explains a need for Aid & Attendance care. This report should explain the injury or disease that is causing the impairment to the veteran’s functional capacity and the extent that the veteran’s functional capacity is limited by the disease or injury. A veteran may also have a doctor fill out VA Form 21-2608 to submit as part of the application. For nursing home residents, complete and submit a VA Form 21-0779.
- Housebound Benefits
Housebound benefits provide additional funds to a veteran’s monthly pension when he or she is substantially confined to his or her home due to a permanent disability. To be eligible, one must be a veteran receiving a pension or the spouse of an eligible veteran. Additionally, applicants must require aid in daily living activities, be mostly bedridden, be in a nursing home due to a mental or physical incapacity, or have poor eyesight.
To apply, write to the Pension Management Center (PMC) that covers the State of Tennessee, or visit your local regional benefit office to file a request. You can write the PMC at:
Milwaukee VA Pension Center
Department of Veterans Affairs
Claims Intake Center
Attention: Milwaukee Pension Center
P. O. Box 5192
Janesville, WI 53547-5192
Fax: 1-844-655-1604An application for Aid & Attendance benefits should include copies of any evidence of the veteran’s condition such as a detailed report from an attending physician that explains a need for Aid & Attendance care. This report should explain the injury or disease that is causing the impairment to your functional capacity and the extent that the veteran’s functional capacity is limited by the disease or injury. Veteran’s may also have a doctor fill out VA Form 21-2608 to submit as part of the application. For nursing home residents, complete and submit a VA Form 21-0779.
- Service-Connected Compensation Benefits
Service-Connected Compensation benefits are provided to veterans suffering from a disability or illness that was caused or worsened during active duty. To be eligible for disability benefits, veterans must have served on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training, and have a disability rating for their service-connected condition. Additionally, the veteran’s disability must have been caused or worsened while he or she was serving in the military.
Veterans may also be eligible for disability benefits if they have an illness that has been diagnosed by a doctor and that illness is considered related to their military service because of a specific aspect of their time in service (i.e. a chronic illness appearing within one year after discharge, an illness caused by contact with hazardous materials, or an illness cause by time spent as a POW). To file a claim for disability benefits, visit https://www.va.gov/disability/eligibility/. Click “How to File a Claim” and begin filling out the questionnaire.
- Homemaker and Home Health Aide Care
Homemaker and Home Health Aide Care is a program that helps veterans with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, and fixing meals. This program is also provided to veterans who are isolated or whose caregivers are burdened by the additional responsibility. This program is part of the VHA Standard Medical Benefits Package, and all veterans who are enrolled are eligible so long as they meet the clinical need and this program is available in their area. This program may also require a copay, which is determined based on the veteran’s status of service-connected disability.
- Veteran Directed Home-Based Care
Veteran Directed Home Based Care is a program that helps provide veterans with the daily care they need. Under this program, a veteran is given a flexible budget for services that can help the veteran remain at home. This program is part of the VHA Standard Medical Benefits Package, and all veterans who are enrolled are eligible so long as they meet the clinical need and the program is available in their area. This program may also require a copay, which is determined based on your status of service-connected disability.
- Community Nursing Homes
Community Nursing Homes allow veterans to live in a nursing home that has contracted with the VA to care for veterans. Veterans can receive skilled nursing care any time of the day or night. The VA will pay for Community Nursing Home care for veterans who meet certain criteria based on their service-connected status, level of disability, and income. To find out if you are eligible, talk to a VA social worker.
- VA Community Living Centers
A VA Community Living Center provides nursing home level of care with skilled nursing and medical care to veterans on a short term or sometimes permanent basis. These centers seek to restore veterans to their highest level of well-being, prevent declines in health, and provide comfort at the end of life. Eligibility is based on a veteran’s service-connected status, level of disability, and income. Some individuals who are eligible may be required to pay a copay. To apply for this benefit and determine copay, contact your VA social worker/case manager to complete the Application for Extended Care Benefits (VA Form 10-10EC).
- Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA)
HISA is a grant that provides medically necessary improvements and alterations to veterans’ homes, such as roll-in showers and permanent ramping to provide easy access in and out of the home. For information on how to apply, visit https://www.prosthetics.va.gov/psas/HISA2.asp.
Can my survivors receive benefits?
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs offers benefits and other services to spouses, children, and parents of veterans who are deceased or totally and permanently disabled by a service-connected disability. To learn more about what programs and benefits are available to survivors, visit https://www.va.gov/opa/persona/dependent_survivor.asp
Can I receive Social Security and Veteran benefits?
Your Social Security disability or retirement benefits will not be reduced if you also receive service-connected compensation benefits from the VA. If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), your VA benefits are considered income, which may make you ineligible for SSI benefits.
If you are receiving non-service-connected disability pension benefits from the VA, you must report all family income, changes in family income, and changes in household size to the VA. These benefits are reduced dollar for dollar for family income, including Social Security disability and retirement benefits.
How will my veteran benefits work with my Medicare benefits?
While you can be eligible for and receive both Medicare and VA benefits, the two will not work together but can offer you a broader range of health care coverage. For example, if the VA authorizes medical services at a non-VA medical facility but does not cover the full cost, Medicare may cover any excess cost that is generally covered by Medicare.
How do I apply for other veteran benefits?
Contact your VA Regional Office at (800) 827-1000 or apply online at www.va.gov.
What if I am denied veteran benefits?
If you disagree with a determination made on your claim, you can appeal the decision to the Board of Veterans' Appeals. To appeal, you must file a timely notice of disagreement with the Veteran Affairs Regional Office. The Regional Office will issue a statement of the case, then you must file a timely appeal to the Board of Veterans Appeals. You may want an attorney to represent you.
How can I get more information about veteran benefits?
You can call the Tennessee Veterans Affairs Regional Office at (800) 827-1000 or go to www.benefits.va.gov/nashville. You can also visit field offices in Jackson, located at 225 Dr. Martin Luther King Dr., Room 110, (731) 423-5614, or in Dyersburg, located at 439 W. McGaughey St., (731) 286-8344.
