Aid and Attendance (A&A)

For veterans who need aid and attendance as a result of non-service related condition(s) they may qualify for an increased VA Pension benefit.

 

For veterans who need aid and attendance as a result of a service related condition(s). Please see our article on Special Monthly Compenstation. Specifically, SMC L (Aid and Attendance) or SMC R1/R2 (Special Aid and Attendance).

 

Eligibility

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• Qualify for VA Pension.

 

AND at least one of the following applies to the Veteran:

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• Need another person to help you perform daily activities, like bathing, feeding, and dressing;

• Have to stay in bed or spend a large portion of the day in bed—because of illness;

• Are a patient in a nursing home due to the loss of mental or physical abilities related to a disability; or

• Eyesight is limited (even with glasses or contact lenses you have only 5/200 or less in both eyes; or concentric contraction of the visual field to 5 degrees or less).

 

Applying

1. Complete VA Form 21-2680.

2. Once completed mail to the PMC located in your state.

 

Veterans should also include the following with their VA form:

• Evidence, like a doctor’s report, that shows you need A&A care.

• Details about what you normally do during the day.

• Details that help show what kind of illness, injury, or mental or physical disability affects your ability to do things, like take a bath, on your own.

NOTE:

• Veterans who are in the care of a nursing home must also fill out and turn in a VA Form 21-0779.

 

References

• 38 CFR § 3.23 - Improved pension rates - Veterans and surviving spouses

• 38 CFR § 3.352 - Criteria for determining need for aid and attendance and “permanently bedridden

• 38 CFR § 3.351 - Special monthly dependency and indemnity compensation, death compensation, pension and spouse's compensation ratings

• M21-1, Part IX, Subpart ii, Chapter 2, Section C - Special Monthly Pension (SMP) Ratings