Commented on a discussion 12/16/2009 at 10:06 pm
I am the daughter of the 91 year old woman and would like to clarify my question and concerns. I completed the Application for the Aid and Attendance Benefit (VA 21-534) for my mother in May. At the
...Read MoreI am the daughter of the 91 year old woman and would like to clarify my question and concerns. I completed the Application for the Aid and Attendance Benefit (VA 21-534) for my mother in May. At the time, I sent in all of the required supporting documents, Marriage, Death Certificates, Dischare, Social Securit Starement and the Physicians Statement. In the Medical Costs, I estimated the cost for her care after talking with the proposed Agency. I also wrote a statement which mother signed stating that she had no other financial assests other than her home and that if awarded the benefit,the money would ne used to hire that agency. The VA has had the Claim for 6 mos and each month they send a "Working on It Staus" to mom. On December 1, 2009 , The VA sent her a Request for Information and Response. In it , they ask for that her Doctor complete a report that supports her claim . They also ask that Form 21-2680, Examination for Housebound Status or Permanent need for Aid and Attendance. (I am assuming that this is the report they want for the doctor.) They already have his statement from April. Then, they state that "in order to count in-home care as an expense, we need to know about the care you are receiving. " They ask that the caregiver complete the answers . It requests details as to the care she is receiving, the type of care, the a the date the care began, the amount paid, and the amount the patient pays from his her funds. They ask if any medical or nursing services are provided, licenses etc. They want the rate paid etc.
They then ask whether or not to we want them to decide the case without waiting 30 days, or if should give then the full 30 days to deciding the clain...(December 30. 2009)
It is the information that is requested from the caregiver that I can not provide as it is not in place. She was on hospice care from 5-08 -10/09 and her family has tried to share the burden. We stated ion the application that if awarded the benefit we would utilize the services of an agency at the figure provided by the agency. Since time is of the essence, I will ask the doctor to complete the report and ask the agency to send a statement of proposed costs. I also have a statement from the hospice that although was discharged from their care due to stabilization, she requires 24 hr care. I will send the picture recommended by Mr. Robbins.
I hope and pray that I have done a thorough job and the case will be decided in her favor. Obviously, time is of the essence.
I can't thank you all enough for your help, your advice and willingness to assist. I am most appreciative. I will keep you posted as to the outcome.