If my Mom applies for my deceased Dad's VA benefits, does the rest home get that pay too?

I was very lucky with the VA. I think that it depends a lot on the office that you are dealing with. We went to the Dalton, GA office personally and walked her (my Mother's) application in. We got benefits within 4 months.

Sherry1anne---you do put forth a very good point. I think it does have a lot to do with the office you apply at. In our case, we are in the Charlotte NC area and had to deal with those folks. I have told my husband over again, based on a previous posters reply to me, that you don't have to re-apply for the benefit. He is adamant about that and says you do have to re-apply. It is very nervewracking to go through this abominable and very slow process to claim benefits for your loved one. Yes, you were very lucky and I can only hope we do get the benefits we do deserve.

I agree with sherry1anne, when assisted by someone who actually knows what they are doing, it SHOULD take about four months...that was what I have discovered through our local office where I should have applied. My sibling took it upon himself (against my begging NOT to do it) to involve a different office and that woman did not know all the ins and outs and therefore it took us almost a year to be approved. We were denied at first, but she had not told us some of the things we could count..especially the fact that my being my Mama's 24/7 caregiver could be counted at the hourly rate considered routine for our area (here $10/hour)...her mistake caused our ultimate approval to give us a lesser monthly and retro amount but I am appealing that as well, but I do NOT have to reapply to do any of this...if a VA rep is telling you that, you may want to check with a different VA office, you should NOT have to pay anyone to help you...it does not require an attorney....there are other va service agencies who know of this and can help you Princess...I hope you will inquire of those if someone is telling you you have to completely reapply...that is insane...bless your heart...but I do understand..it happens all the time to others out there...too many of them it seems give up...and sometimes I have to wonder if that is their hope....

Hope22---we have never paid anyone to help and my husband is still insisting that you have to refile. Well, when he gets back from his mother's burial , we are going down to the office together and I will be the one to ask questions. I do hope you are doing well and trying to give yourself some selfish time---you deserve it! Blessings upon you and I will be in touch to let you know what transpires with all this rigamarole at the place where he first went re: the benefits.

Good luck Princess....I know the first time we filed, they denied our claim and then we appealed, but by appealing, only had to submit additional information, not refile. I have not heard of anyone having to refile if they have already filled out the original info...perhaps just provide additional info...but not a total refile. I am sure there is a lot I do not know..especially about the mystery that is the VA but I don't think you have to refile...prayers for you both. Your MIL derserved that benefit, and yall as her caregiver do as well...good luck.

Hope22---my Dad always used to tell me I should have been a lawyer with the mouthpiece I have! Believe me, I plan to use it very soon at the VA. Thanks for the good vibes. Take care.

My mother was denied the first time she filed in Tennessee, but since she lives on the boarder, we went to the Dalton office and she was approved based on the fact that she is legally blind and house bound, a condition that was ignored when she filed in Tennessee. Be sure the one helping is on your side. Sometimes they seem to glee in turning down claims.