Overview
In This Section |
This section contains the following topics:
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1. General Rating Issues
Introduction |
This topic contains information on general rating issues for survivors, including
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Change Date |
March 3, 2016
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IV.iii.2.B.1.a. Considering Disability or Nursing Home Status as Basis for a Claim for A&A or Housebound Benefits |
Prior to March 24, 2015, consider any communication from a claimant or accredited representative indicating a desire for increased benefits because of disability or nursing home patient status as a claim for aid and attendance (A&A) or housebound benefits.
After March 24, 2015, applications for A&A or housebound benefits must come in on a prescribed form.
Reference: For more information on special monthly pension (SMP), see M21-1, Part V, Subpart iii, 2.
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IV.iii.2.B.1.b. Evidence on Which to Base A&A and Housebound Determinations |
Determination of a claimant’s need for A&A or housebound benefits is based on medical evidence.
Notes:
Examples of licensed health care professionals:
Reference: For more information on A&A criteria, see 38 CFR 3.351(c)(2).
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IV.iii.2.B.1.d. Adjusting Special Monthly Benefits Following Discharge From a Nursing Home |
If a claimant is discharged from a nursing home, adjust A&A and Housebound benefits in accordance with the procedures for disability cases outlined in M21-1, Part V, Subpart iii, 2.B.3 and M21-1, Part V, Subpart iii, 2.B.4. |
2. Aid and Attendance (A&A) and Housebound Benefits
Introduction |
This topic contains information on A&A and housebound benefits for survivors, including |
Change Date |
March 10, 2016 |
IV.iii.2.B.2.a. Who May Qualify for A&A Benefits Under 38 CFR 3.351 |
A&A benefits under 38 CFR 3.351 may be paid to surviving spouses and parents who are receiving or entitled to receive
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IV.iii.2.B.2.b. Who May Qualify for Housebound Benefits Under 38 CFR 3.351(e) and (f) |
Only surviving spouses who are receiving or entitled to receive DIC or Survivors Pension may qualify for the Housebound rate under 38 CFR 3.351(e) and (f). |
IV.iii.2.B.2.c. Authorizing A&A Without a Rating Decision |
Authorize the payment of A&A benefits without a rating decision if
If a period of hospitalization of 90 days or less results in a discharge to a nursing home, authorize payment of A&A benefits from the date of hospital admission, subject to the effective date provisions in 38 CFR 3.402(c) or 38 CFR 3.404.
Important: Housebound benefits may not be authorized without a rating decision – except when the surviving spouse was receiving Housebound benefits on the Veteran’s award prior to the Veteran’s death.
Reference: For more information on when to refer a claim to the rating activity to determine eligibility to A&A or housebound benefits, see M21-1, Part V, Subpart iii, 2.A.3.c.
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03-03-16_KeyChanges_M21-1IV_iii_2_SecB.docx | May 21, 2019 | 46 KB |
Historical_M21-1IV_iii_2_SecB_06-15-15.doc | May 21, 2019 | 85 KB |
03-10-16_KeyChanges_M21-1IV_iii_2_SecB.doc | May 21, 2019 | 158 KB |
Change-July-25-2015-Transmittal-Sheet-M21-1IV_iii_2_SecB_TS.docx | May 21, 2019 | 42 KB |
Historical_M21-1MRIV_iii_2_SecB_06-15-2015.doc | May 21, 2019 | 86 KB |
Change-June-15-2015-Transmittal-Sheet-M21-1MRIV_iii_2_TS.docx | May 21, 2019 | 45 KB |
in Chapter 2 Rating DIC and Death Compensation Claims, Part IV Compensation, DIC, and Death Compensation Benefits, Subpart iii Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) and Death Compensation
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