Aid and Attendance for 100% Service-Connected Veterans

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If you’re a 100% service-connected veteran or surviving spouse who needs daily care, you may qualify for additional monthly payments through VA Aid and Attendance. 

This benefit can be used towards personal care costs, such as in-home assistance, assisted living, or medical co-pays, providing financial relief when you need additional care. 

Here’s what every 100% service-connected veteran should know about qualifying for and using Aid and Attendance benefits.

Summary of Key Points

• VA Aid and Attendance provides extra monthly compensation for personal care expenses for veterans and surviving spouses who need daily assistance. 

• A&A benefits are based on your countable income and the Maximum Annual Pension Rate set by Congress. 

• 100% service-connected veterans may qualify for Aid and Attendance or Housebound benefits to supplement their VA pension. 

• Funds can be used for in-home care, assisted living, medical co-pays, and other personal care needs. 

What is VA Aid and Attendance?

VA Aid and Attendance is a supplemental monthly benefit added to a veteran’s VA pension, not disability compensation, to assist with the cost of personal care.  

It’s designed for wartime veterans and surviving spouses who need assistance with daily activities like bathing, dressing, or eating, or who are primarily confined to their homes due to illness or disability. 

>> How to Get Aid and Attendance Approval 

Aid and Attendance Eligibility

You may be eligible for Aid and Attendance if you receive a VA pension, and you meet at least one of these requirements: 

• You need another person to assist you with daily activities (bathing, dressing, feeding, etc.). 

• You’re required to stay in bed most of the day due to illness. 

• You’re a patient in a nursing home because of mental or physical impairment. 

• Your eyesight is severely limited (corrected visual acuity of 5/200 or less in both eyes or concentric contraction of the visual field to 5 degrees or less). 

Aid and Attendance for 100% Service-Connected Veterans

For 100% service-connected veterans, Aid and Attendance benefits are calculated based on the difference between your countable income and the Maximum Annual Pension Rate (MAPR), which is set and adjusted by Congress annually. 

For example, if your countable income is $12,000 and your MAPR is $34,000, your Aid and Attendance benefit would be about $22,000 per year, or roughly $1,830 per month. 

Your countable income is the total amount you receive, including Social Security benefits, retirement or investment income, and any earnings from your dependents.  

Certain costs, such as unreimbursed medical expenses (those not covered by insurance), can be deducted and may lower your income for VA calculations. 

Note: From December 1, 2024, to November 30, 2025, the net worth limit to be eligible for Veterans Pension benefits is $159,240. 

Aid and Attendance Pay Chart

Aid and Attendance benefit rates are as follows: 

• Single Veteran: Up to $2,358 per month 

• Married Veteran: Up to $2,795 per month 

• Surviving Spouse: Up to $1,515 per month 

Note: These are maximums. Your actual benefit depends on the difference between your MAPR and your countable income after any allowed deductions. 

How to Apply for VA Aid and Attendance

You can apply for VA Aid and Attendance benefits in several ways: 

• Online: Submit your application through the VA.gov website. 

• By Mail: Send a completed VA Form 21-2680 to your nearest VA Pension Management Center or VA Form 21-0779 if you’re currently living in a nursing home. 

• In Person: Bring your completed form to your local VA regional office. 

If you’re applying for a loved one, include supporting medical evidence that clearly shows the need for daily care. 

What Medical Evidence to Include for Aid and Attendance

When applying for Aid and Attendance, strong medical evidence is key to proving your need for daily assistance. 

This includes, but is not limited to: 

• Physician’s Statement or Medical Summary: Include a letter or report from your treating physician outlining your diagnoses, symptoms, and how they affect your daily functioning. 

• Treatment Records and Progress Notes: Attach recent VA or private medical records that show your ongoing care needs. 

• Functional Assessments: If available, include physical therapy evaluations or home health assessments that describe your mobility and level of independence. 

• Medication List and Side Effects: Document any medications you take that may cause fatigue, dizziness, or other side effects impacting your ability to care for yourself. 

Conclusion

VA Aid and Attendance offers valuable financial resources for 100% service-connected veterans and their surviving spouses who require daily care.  

By understanding eligibility, how benefits are calculated, and the required medical documentation, you can maximize the benefits available to cover personal care, in-home care, or other care-related expenses. 

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(FAQs) Frequently Asked Questions

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