How do I speed up the process of getting the VA to approve mother's surviving spouse pension?

My 86 year old mother has alzheimers, is in assisted living residence. We applied over 8 months ago for VA veterans benefit. My dad was in WW11 and retired from the Air Force. She gets a $1,386 for SS and Civil Service annuity. I am currently paying $1,450 for the difference in her assisted living costs which seem to increase monthly. I am a widow myself, running out of funds fast! I don't know how much longer I can continue to pay. How do I speed up VA? The VA periodically send me a form letter saying they are working on her application, be patient. I provided all the necessary documentation to the local VA office, Her care cost has inceased almost $200.00 since we applied eight months ago.