If my aunt is already receiving a spousal VA death benefit, why does she have to provide all the forms to get the Aid & Attendance Benefit?

Long story short- I'm a disabled vet as is my husband. I'm a full time caregiver for my vet dad. Person at the VA told us he was NOT eligible for benefits.....that person was wrong. Now trying to get them for him but found that the state (Alabama) has FREE TRAINED help for vets thru their Alabama State Dept of Veterans Affairs. What a Godsend they are. Look for one of these in your state!

Another advantage to Aid and Attendance is that it is not calculated the same as pension for Medicaid programs. The total amount is divided into pension and the Aid part. So if a person needs Medicaid at some point the $ counted as Aid do not count as income for Medicaid. With Spousal benefits the programs pay much differently than for the Veteran. See your local VA Service Office and discuss the pros and cons.
Good Luck

If you are referring to VA Improved Pension benefits understand that there are actually three "levels" of Pension benefit. Starting with the lowest benefit they are:
1. Basic Pension
2. Housebound
3. Aid and Attendance.
An award is issued as "Improved Pension (Basic) with Housebound" or "Improved Pension (Basic) with Aid and Attendance).
It may be she is receiving one of the lower benefit levels which does not require the same evidence that the Aid and Attendance level does.

Not everyone qualifies for all VA programs. Check with the VA to see if you need to file for both or even if you can. I know it's a pain but it's the only way that I know of to be sure.
Take care,
Carol

I fear you will have to go to the VA for that information.
I am sure you can google it on the computer & get all the information you need.
The VA is SLOW at almost everything.
God's SPEED.....