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I am a WWII veteran with a spouse who has been diagnosed with accelerated dementia. Is there any respite available for her? She needs to be placed in a nursing home and I need more information of what benefits she may be entitled to.
Optional Information: State/Country relating to question: New Mexico Already Tried: my stepdaughter is researching for me and looked into assisted living/nursing homes for her but there is a long waiting list.
Thanks for the chance to help. I am an attorney with over 12 years military law experience.The VA has a pension program known as "aid and attendance" but this program is available to widows directly only on the death of the veteran. So if you pass prior to her, she would be eligible for the pension.That said, you may be eligible for a pension yourself. It will depend on your income level.The VA pension program is a needs based pension that looks at income and medical expenses to determine eligibility.SO if you are forced to place your spouse into nursing care, that expense will reduce your income, dollar for dollar. And as a result, you may well qualify for a pensionThe best way to apply for this would be with the assistance of a local veterans services officer. Your county will have one who can assist you with this...they can help you file to the VA directly.Again, if you must incur expenses to care for your spouse, that may make you eligible for a veterans pension.
Experience: Retired Marine Corps Lawyer, Veterans Services Officer (VSO)