I don't understand why I have to write to VA for this, to another state for that form... You would think the VA would have all this info on their veterans, put in a name and SSN and there's all the info. It takes months to get the info, to get it back, and then months to file. She needs home care as she won't go to a home. Neither of them planned for their future. I feel as though the VA makes this benefit so hard to get that you just give up. That's what I did. I gave up.
You need this form.
There is a BIG problem with some of the information though. There was a fire in St Louis in 1973 at the National Personnel Records Center that destroyed many records of Veterans of the Army and Air Force. So other necessary information might be scattered.
See if you can contact your state's Dept of Military and Veteran's Affairs and be put in contact with the Service Officer there specifically to help you accomplish what you are trying to accomplish. You will need the service documents, however, along with other forms as the Federal government LOVES red tape and documents, as we all know *and hate*
I hope you can get this all figured out. Mom was getting $1318 a month in 2022 which helped a lot.
GOOD LUCK
Next piece of advice, isn't all that obvious but it might come in handy. Try to find out if there are "Veterans' Centers" at local universities and colleges (including community colleges). Usually the Director (or whatever her or his title is) is a vet. And their staff is usually made up of vets, also. In principle, these places are set up to help vets use their educational benefits, but they also have their hands in a lot of pots, and believe me (as I worked with one) they KNOW how daunting the process may be to find out what's available to vets, and how to cut through red tape so vets can actually use their benefits.
I'm not sure the VA itself is at fault here. Dealing with any kind of bureaucracy these days is difficult.
Good luck.
Yes, they make it hard.
Babs suggests what we did: we went to the County VA office and got the help we needed. The counselor had Internet access to records sources and streamlined the process immensely.
But you should at least have the DD214; all Veterans should keep that handy.
Look up your states county office for VA assistance. It is not the VA , but a county office. They helped me get the forms all submitted . My mom was in another state. I used my states office.
if you cannot do the above, try your county office of aged and disability, maybe they know of someone you can hire to do this. My moms first in home care company had contacts for someone I could hire to file for my mom. I did not go this route.
your mom will need this benefit. My mom is now in memory care and receives over $1200 a month in aide and attendance benefits.
You have to admit, if it is designed to get people to just give up, it works.