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She is a widow of a WW II veteran. After having RA for all of her adult life, she does have some nerve damage, physical disfigurement, severely compromised joints and still active inflammation that make everyday living very difficult in terms of mobility. She does utilize a walker. However, she has not gotten to the point yet that she needs a daily caregiver, or to be in an assisted living facility. Would she be able to qualify for assistance from the VA?

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Having made some inquiries for my in-laws, I don't know if widows/widowers of veterans are eligible for federal VA benefits but was turned away myself. I may not have gotten the best answers and looking up some information on the web, I agree with Pam that you may have a shot at it. There are two routes to a solid answer: call the VA benefits help line at (800) 827-1000 or call a Veterans Service Organization like the Disabled American Veterans. DAV's headquarters is at (877) 426-2838. Personally, I'd call both because you might get different answers. From the VA website, if you haven't seen these pages, you probably ought to review them first:

Aid & Assistance
http://www.benefits.va.gov/pension/aid_attendance_housebound.asp

Survivors or "Death" Pension
http://www.benefits.va.gov/pension/spousepen.asp
http://www.benefits.va.gov/pension/spousepencalc.asp

Meanwhile, since your dad was a WWII vet, if he died of a condition that can be related back to his time in service, your mom may be eligible for Dependency Indemnity Compensation. Gaining this benefit will require a disability claim on the behalf of your dad. You might want to mention this to the DAV when you call. Her benefits could increase in other ways if your dad died of a "service connected" condition.

If you need help, contact one of the many Veterans Service Organizations like DAV, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, etc. I've used a couple including DAV. Most who have experience with a county veterans rep have found their experience to be pretty lacking.
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As the spouse of a WWII, Korean and Vietnam veteran, your mother might qualify for assistance with the VA, but it depends on the service record of the vet, income level, and filing for that assistance. Go to va.gov and see all the options that apply to her. She probably could use some help about 3 times a week and get meals on wheels for her meals delivered. Good luck!
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YES! Your mom qualifies. Do not accept no for an answer. This is a very misunderstood benefit. The VA is the last place you should go for assistance. Unless you know exactly what your are asking for they are most likely to be very little help.
You MUST get professional help in obtaining the benefit. This benefit can make all of the difference in choices your mother makes concerning her care for the rest of her life. Professional help by a VA Accredited Attorney costs around $800.00.Go to http://www.va.gov/ogc/apps/accreditation/ and search for an attorney by you. A consultation is usually free. They will only take on your case if they are fairly certain you will qualify for the benefit.
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Print out the VA 2680 form, sound like she could get it.
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Yes, Aid and Attendance....Form 2680.
Why not seek private care-giving help on a part-time basis in the meantime ?
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If her husband had actually served during any war (he didn't need to see battle, just be enlisted for a day during WWII, and others) she can qualify for Aid and Attendance based on her financial need. I recently got A & A for my father and know the ends and outs pretty well by now. Plus I know that I will qualify being the wife of a man served during Viet Nam war.
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