Confused

[Gators09]

So today I took my dad to Bay Pines VA to see his primary to get the required medical form for the A & A benefit.  He entered my dad's info on his computer and I also had him fill out the form I got from another site.  He then told me to see the social worker which we did.  She took some basic info (Name, Social) and said she would call me.

She called a few hours later and left a message that said that they had submitted my dad's application along with the doctor's report and I should not submit anything further until we receive a reply from that in 30 to 45 days.  Now I am really confused as no financial information was given or costs for his ALF.  Has anyone heard of them starting the process this way?  For the record the social worker seemed helpful but we need this benefit and I am hoping I did not make a mistake going to the VA social worker.

[vetadmin]

There is something wrong with this. Not knowing all the details and just going off of your post, I will note the following.

Since this pension is based off of a financial need, the applicant's financial statement needs to be included otherwise how would the VA know they meet that requirement???

Is your dad regularly seen at the VA?  Do they have a copy of his DD214 (discharge papers)?

It doesn't sound as though you got a copy of the application, which is a big mistake.

Did you sign and include form 21-22a making you your dad's "Claimant's Representative, or did the social worker assign the VA?

Based on your posting, it sounds as though there were many mis-steps.  I have never heard of it being this easy to submit an application, and from what you are saying it looks like a lot of supporting documentation was not included with the application.

Did you research the application process on this?  There is a posting on this forum that gives an excellent outline of what needs to be done.
http://veteranaid.org/forums/index.php/topic,264.0.html

At this point you don't want to do anything until you hear back from them on the application. To do anything now would only complicate things and you don't want to do that.  When you get your letter if proper documentation was not included, you will need to address it then.

[Gators09]

Well I spent the day working on this with some results.  Bay Pines VA only submitted the medical portion and nothing else.  Thankfully I did not just take the social worker's word for it and wait the 45 days as nothing would have been done. 

I met with the local VSO from Pinellas county and he was excellent.  He actually though I had done a pretty good job on the 21-526 and of course I gave the credit to you Debbie.  He did have a form for me that I have not seen on any site.  It is called "Statement as to level of care and cost of care" for the ALF to fill out.  Breaks down the base rent vs the care costs.  Care costs have to show at least $1.  I also did not have to get a certified copy of the discharge papers as he made a copy of the original and certified it.

He also did comment that all applications are now going to the central processing center in Philly (at least from Florida) so I am optimistic for at least today.

Thanks again for all your help.  This site has really helped me!

[vetadmin]

Glad to know that you caught this in time and were able to save yourself the wait of 45 days for nothing.

Also glad that you found someone who was able to help you get things going in the right direction.  I appreciate you giving me the credit, but for future reference, the VA is not a fan of mine or my efforts to nationalize this pension benefit.

 I just want you to get application submitted correctly and get your dad what he deserves.