Got Aunt approved A&A; Think Calculations are incorrect. Help!!

[cmost]

Hello... Began the process in October, and as of July 1 my aunt got a deposit for A&A.  Yeah!!

But they sent some curious calculations of her benefits, expenses, income, etc. which doesn't make sense.  How do I figure out what her benefits SHOULD be, and if they are not at that amount how to I appeal their figures?  She gets $15,600 from social security, and from that has to come her Part D and her supplemental insurance.  Then after that comes her 24/7 caretaker of $2600/Month because she has alzheimer's and is housebound and totally dependent on a caretaker for feeding and bodily functional care.  I don't see the caretaker figure deducted anywhere.  They awarded her $755/month (plus all the back pay); but in September it drops to $250/month!  Should she be getting more?  I'm thinking yes, because she has no real countable income after deducting all expenses (and about $40,000 in assets)! 

If that is the case, what would the procedure be for me to appeal it at this point in time, i.e., what forms, etc.?  Thanks!!

I'm so confused.... and it's been so much work.  Her veteran spouse died 12 years ago and she has no kids.... so I'm doing the best I can so any help would be appreciated!
thanks,
Cheryl

[Fit2009]

look for the paragragh after the tables with a heading something like "What Expenses were not used"?  It might say something that means but is not this clear "We could not use the caregiver expenses because there was no Statement of Care.  If you submit a statement of care, we will adjust your award"

[cmost]

I don't know if I was clear, but what I would just like to know... should they be deducting caregiver costs from my aunt's income? 

If yes, then what form(s) do I need to submit to them to ask them to include those figures and subtract them from her income?  Or how do I go about getting them to include those amounts? 

Would that simply be to submit the Caregiver form (again); or is there another form that would also need to be submitted?

Thanks. 

[Fit2009]

you explain it in the statement in support of claim but before wasting your time, try and find out why it wasn't accepted - it should be listed in the award letter.

[VSR]

I agree with Fit.  Read the letter very carefully.  If you still don't know where the calculations went south, call VA and ask.  The letter will be available to anyone answering the phone and they should be able to answer your questions.