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scshisler
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« on: January 04, 2011, 11:50:10 AM » |
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I'm hoping to get some quick advice, as my father is currently in critical condition at the hospital and we are expecting to hear more about what will happen later today or tomorrow. The docs haven't actually deemed him 'terminal', but I think they will in a day or so. If that happens and we're told that he won't survive once the IV drips are taken off, I will be bringing him home and having hospice come in to help.
Wouldn't you know I just got a call from a local VA rep who wants to set up an appt. to have me bring my dad into them for an 'exam'. Well, it's simply impossible. I asked what the alternative was (didn't tell her that his condition might be terminal) and she said that I had to either make an appt. with her or cancel altogether and call the VA in Philly to find out if there are any other options.
She is giving me a few more hours to decide what to do, so I really need advice. Thing is, both my dad and my mom are living in assisted living and when he dies, she'll still need to be there. It seems I've read that she will still be eligible for help, but I'm not certain of that.
Does anyone know if there's even a remote chance that the VA might approve his application despite impending death? And can anyone advise me on which way to answer the VA rep when she calls me back later?
Of note - I was lucky enough to have Senator Nelson (Orlando office) push the application to the front of the pile. I do have a call into them to see if they can advise me as well. Perhaps I shouldn't even try to speak with the VA and let them do it instead?
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vetadmin
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« Reply #1 on: January 04, 2011, 01:50:50 PM » |
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If your has a private physician, he does not need to see a VA Dr. The family dr can complete the Physician's Statement. If your dad's medical is all through the VA, then you do have a hurtle, because she won't back down on this. Which doctors are making these decisions for him now?
You need to call the VA, find out where his file is, and tell them your dad is going into Hospice and that he is entitled to expedited processing due to this. Don't mention how long he has left. Take advantage of your Senator getting involved and talk to someone until you get this pushed through. You will need this money to help pay for your mom's care.
For your mom.....when your dad passes, you will have to complete a different application, the 21-534. It does not just roll over to cover her. You will have to submit a new application, and go through this process all over again. It will help that she will be in the system due to your dad filing as a vet with spouse.
My suggestion is to get your hands on everything you need, fill it out, and be ready to send it in immediately. You will need a copy of the marriage license and the death certificate. I don't mean to be so straight forward on this, but having been in your situation, it is not the best time to try and get your wits about you to deal with it, so the advice is meant to be helpful.
Please let us know how things turn out.
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scshisler
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« Reply #2 on: January 04, 2011, 01:55:24 PM » |
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Yes, thankfully then he does have a private doc. Shall I request that the Senator's assistant make the phone call, since she's been intimately involved in this for the last 3 weeks? Their office was the last to make contact directly with the VA. They've managed to get my dad's priority rating at the top of the file, and from what I understand, they are almost ready to approve. I'm waiting on a call right now from the senator's asst. If you have a minute right now, can I ask if you think I should call the VA immediately myself, or wait until I hear back from the senator's office?
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vetadmin
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« Reply #3 on: January 04, 2011, 09:03:24 PM » |
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Sorry to have been out on errands when you asked for this reply.
I would work with the Senator's office if they will call and follow up on this immediatley. You need to get your dad's Dr. to complete whatever the VA was asking for.
If your dad is over 70 that is two reasons for the VA to expedite, but the Hospice care is what really needs to be pressed on, so the VA is held to acting in his best interest in the timeframe you need.
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jpez
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« Reply #4 on: January 04, 2011, 09:16:35 PM » |
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The correct form for the Doc to fill out is VA 21-2680.
You can fill 90% of it out and just get the doc to sign.
IT HAS TO BE LEGIBLE and state when the condition began.
And it has to be at the VA before he passes.
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« Last Edit: January 07, 2011, 03:09:40 PM by vetadmin »
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