"Wartime Service" is broadly defined. I would qualify. Just something to know about - or perhaps a friend of yours needs this?
“Aid and Attendance” refers to the fact that in order to qualify for this higher level of Pension, the Veteran or surviving spouse must demonstrate a regular need for the assistance of a caregiver or the need to live in a protected environment because of physical or mental impairment. If the Veteran does not require Aid and Attendance, but has a low household income, they may be eligible for a base pension of a lesser dollar amount.
2012 the maximum monthly benefits for those qualifying for the Aid & Attendance level of Pension is:
- Surviving Spouse of a Veteran: $1,094
- Veteran with no Spouse or dependent children: $1,703
- Married couple where the Veteran requires care: $2,019
- Veteran is healthy but Spouse requires care, Veteran qualifies for Income Improvement Pension: $1,337
http://www.veteransfinancial.com/aid...e-eligibility/
Aid & Attendance Eligibility
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) reviews the following four areas to determine eligibility:
1. Military Service
•Veteran must have served a minimum of 90 days of active duty. 1 of those days must be during a period of war:
◦World War II – 12/7/41 through 12/31/46
◦Korean Conflict – 6/27/50 through 1/31/55
◦Vietnam – 8/5/64 through 5/7/75*
◦The Veteran must have received a discharge from active duty under conditions other than dishonorable
*also Veterans who served in the Republic of Vietnam – 2/28/61-5/7/75
2. Health
•The need for assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) – bathing, dressing, cooking, medication management etc. or
•The claimant is legally blind or nearly blind, or
•A diagnosis by a doctor of Alzheimer’s disease or Dementia, or
•The need for a “protected environment” to protect the claimant from the hazards and dangers of his or her daily life may be accepted
3. Income versus Medical Expenses
The VA compares the relationship between a claimant’s income (Social Security, pension(s) and all other fixed income) and medical expenses (assisted living, home care, skilled nursing, adult day, and health insurance premiums). If the claimant spends all of their income on countable medical expenses, they should be entitled to the maximum monthly income from the Department of Veterans Affairs. If the claimant spends a portion of their income on care related medical expenses, they may be eligible for a partial benefit from the Department of Veterans Affairs.
4. Savings/Net Worth
The VA does not designate a specific dollar figure to determine if someone is eligible for the benefit. The number is different for every person/family who applies. The VA looks at every claim individually and makes a net worth determination based on the facts and circumstance of the case. If there are significant assets, benefits may still be awarded depending on care expenses,