“We feel like we are the veterans’ advocate and have a heart for the veterans. We feel like our clients are a part of the family and we strive to get things done for them.” These words resound with heartfelt sincerity from Barbara Nance, Assistant Service Officer at the Veterans Service Office of Denton County.

Staff at the Veterans Service Office assists veterans and their families through the application process to obtain any Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) benefits due them. Over the years Nance has observed that veterans and/or their surviving spouses are living longer and with that are requiring more assistance as they age. “It is not unheard of to have family members helping their parents who are now in their 90s,” Nance explains. “Most people do not plan to live into their 90s and are not prepared financially to pay for the cost of their care.”  Nance has seen over the past five years that kids in the 60s are taking care of their parents who are in their 90s. This can be a very difficult time and having all documents in one place will be very helpful when applying for DVA benefits. Nance says, “Since this is a very emotional time for all involved, it is our goal to make the application process for the Non-Service Connected Pension with Aid and Attendance as uncomplicated as possible and by completing as much of the paperwork as possible.”

Nance has also seen more family members helping veterans apply for benefits. “Older veterans’s family members come in on their behalf because the veteran or surviving staff cannot travel or because they live in an assisted living,” Nance said. “Kids in their 60s come in taking care of their parents and they are often distraught to see their parents the way they are and did not think they would be taking care of their parents. It can be very emotional.”

For this reason, Nance says her biggest focus for senior veterans is informing them about the Non-Service Connected Pension with Aid and Attendance benefit for home health care, assisted living care and nursing home care. (See Veterans Benefits forms) “Today and in the future, the most important issue for older adults is long term care. This benefit helps the family get additional income so less of the expense to care for their parents comes out of their pockets." 

After 19 years in public service, Nance has sees her work as her “ministry.” She has seen many different situations and gives the following advice as veterans prepare for their own aging:

1.  A person needs to keep all their important legal documents, such as military discharges, marriage license, death certificates and divorce degrees in one location. Family members need to know where the documents are located so when the time comes to apply for DVA benefits that is one less matter for them to handle during a very difficult time.

2. Seek out your local or state Veterans Service Organization to determine what DVA benefits are available. “Each state has a State Veterans Service Organization and most states have a Veterans Service Office within each County Government system.”

3.  Find an eldercare attorney who understands Medicaid and Veterans Affairs and start getting prepared for the future. “An eldercare attorney can help things get situated so your situation is Medicaid- and VA- friendly and have planning in place for the future.”

4. Other benefits available to the young and older veteran are:
    a. Health Care
    b. Service Connected Compensation
    c. Home Loans
    d. Burial Benefits
    Go to www.va.gov for additional information.

“Every veteran, young or old, needs to understand all of the DVA benefits available. The DVA will not search the veteran out to advise them of benefits.  It is up to the veteran to seek out his benefits,” Nance advises. “They are responsible for knowing what is available to them from the DVA. Just because they don’t need the benefit right now, they need to know for the future. Families often say, 'I wish I had know about this years ago.'”

For more information on veterans benefits, visit the Denton County Veterans Service Office at www.dentoncounty.gov or the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs at www.VA.gov.

 

View sample documents needed to apply for the VA aid and assistance for assisted living or in-home care (forms are in pdf format):

• Assisted living, home health and nursing care benefits- Presents Information about these benefit programs, how to become eligible, and application forms needed to apply for benefits. | See document
•     VA      Form 21-526- Application form required to apply for VA benefits or compensation. Also includes instructional tips and a checklist of required documentation needed to fill out the application.  | See document
• Care expenses assessment form- Must be completed by a facility administrator or care provider to present current personal and reimbursed expenses for institutional or in-home care. Used by VA to evaluate a claim.  | See form
• Support for a claim for benefits- Completed by a veteran or representative to support a claim for benefits. Used by the VA to evaluate a claim.  | See form
  
• Medical statement to apply for aid and assistance- Must be completed by a physician to certify the need for daily personal skilled assistance. Used by the VA to evaluate a claim. | See form
• Appointment of VA Service Organization as representative- Allows a VA Service Organization to represent a veteran to prepare and present claims for benefits. Includes a list of approved Service Organizations that may act as representatives. | See form

For assistance with these documents, contact your local or state Veterans Service Organization.

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