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Case Example: Farr Law Firm Helps Veterans and Their Spouses Apply for Veterans Aid and Attendance

November 9, 2012 by


Martha Simms, 78, had been living off of her husband’s pension, her own Social Security and the proceeds from the sale of her home in Fairfax.  As her nest egg began to shrink, Simms’s son, Craig, wasn’t sure how she would continue paying the monthly bill of her in-home caretaker. (Note: Ms. Simms is fictional, but similar to a client that Farr Law Firm, P.C. may help apply for Veterans Aid and Attendance).
Joe Simms, Martha’s late husband, served in World War II and was honorably discharged.  Craig Simms learned that as the spouse of a veteran, his mother may be eligible for Veterans Aid and Attendance.  Nearly 182,000 veterans and their spouses take advantage of the Veterans Aid and Attendance benefit, but VA officials say that many more are eligible.
To be eligible, beneficiaries must be at least 65 years old, veterans or married to veterans who served during a wartime period, and must have been honorably discharged.  Applicants must also need help with at least one activity of daily living: eating, walking, dressing, bathing, using the toilet, or adjusting prosthetic devices. Those who live in nursing homes or require in-home care, or are blind, may also be eligible.

Farr Law Firm, P.C. has recommended  to clients like Ms. Simms that she may be eligible for the Veterans Aid and Attendance Benefit, but may also need Medicaid for nursing home care in the future.  Evan H. Farr is an Accredited Attorney with the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs who understands the Veterans Aid and Attendance Benefit and the Medicaid program and the interaction between both benefit programs. Mr. Farr worked with client’s like Ms. Simms  to obtain the financial assistance to which she were entitled, which for example could be over $19,000 per year at the rate of nearly $1,600 per month. Ms. Parker now lives in her home with her family and has in-home care to help her manage his activities of daily living.  The extra $1,600 per month from the Veteran’s Aid and Attendance program is vital in helping Ms. Simms afford the care that she needs.

If you are a Veteran or spouse of a Veteran and you need assistance, be sure to make an appointment for a consultation.  We can work with you to evaluate if you qualify for TheVeterans Aid and Attendance Benefit and help you file the paperwork.

P.S. For the rest of the month of November 2012, Veterans and Veteran’s spouses can take advantage of a special 20% discount in honor of Veterans Awareness Week, just by mentioning this posting!

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About Evan H Farr, CELA, CAP

Evan H. Farr is a 4-time Best-Selling author in the field of Elder Law and Estate Planning. In addition to being one of approximately 500 Certified Elder Law Attorneys in the Country, Evan is one of approximately 100 members of the Council of Advanced Practitioners of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys and is a Charter Member of the Academy of Special Needs Planners.