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GCNY
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« on: August 17, 2009, 02:51:32 PM » |
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We understood from both this website and Vetassist.org that we can claim ALL assisted living costs on VA Form 21-526 (Question 13, Part D, Section VI); however our local VSO tells us that only that portion which is for nursing services can be claimed. Who is right on this issue? The wording quoted from the VA Operating Manual, sounds rather unclear. What does "all reasonable expenses" mean?
Any clarification would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
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vetadmin
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« Reply #1 on: August 17, 2009, 03:37:47 PM » |
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If the VA determines that the claimant is deserving of Aid & Attendance or Housebound benefits, then ALL of the costs are deductible. The VA Operating Manual states: “Allow all reasonable fees paid to the facility as long as the facility provides some medical or nursing services for the disabled person. These services do not have to be furnished by a licensed health professional.”
Keep in mind that the VA considers ANY veteran at the age of 65 to be permanetly and totally disabled regardless of how able bodied they may be.
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GCNY
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« Reply #2 on: August 17, 2009, 04:26:00 PM » |
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Thanks for your quick response. BTW my father will be 92 in December and is "able bodied," except he needs a cane.
Would administering medication be considered a "medical or nursing service"? I hesitate to tell our VSO that what he told us is wrong.
Does anyone have a page reference in the VA Operating Manual to refer him to, so he can read the quote in context? He seemed quite confident that we cannot claim the portion of assisted living costs that are essentially room & board.
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vetadmin
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« Reply #3 on: August 17, 2009, 04:34:14 PM » |
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If someone oversees the dispensing of his meds, then nursing services are being provided as part of his care.
He is in "Assisted Living" and not "Independent Living" correct? What other services are being provided as well as what does his doctor say his needs are?
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GCNY
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« Reply #4 on: August 17, 2009, 06:49:15 PM » |
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He is not in "Independent Living." Other services are meals, laundry, and cleaning (besides the dispensing and administration of meds). But so far he does not need assistance to eat, bathe, or use the restroom. His doctor has a physician form to complete--so we will see what she feels his needs are. He definitely needs his meds administered since we discovered he had filled an unlabeled bottle with what he thought was his heart med, but was actually another tablet he takes for something else. Not sure how long he's been off his heart meds.
But back to the original issue, is it true we should enter ALL the assisted living costs on VA Form 21-526 (Question 13, Part D, Section VI)--including the portion that covers room & board? My mother is also with him (she needs more help than he does) and Medicaid does not cover all of her costs, so essentially he pays an additional $400 for her, plus the $219 which she receives from Social Security.
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Fit2009
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« Reply #5 on: August 18, 2009, 04:30:37 PM » |
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Enter it as two numbers, one for your mom, one for your dad. Include a physician's evaluation for both of them.
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pologal1979
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« Reply #6 on: August 27, 2009, 10:52:28 PM » |
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i agree with Fit2009
even if dad isnt granted AA, and mom has a physicans statement showing she needs the ALF care, then VA will consider her ALF fees as meds.
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