Fiduciary Request First, then A&A Request?

[AnnieN]

I'm new here, so I'll give some background.  My mother is an honorably discharged veteran of WWII, Army Nurses' Corp.  She is a widow, so I am only talking about her as the veteran.  Age is 86, diagnosis of dementia (progressing rapidly), lives in an Assisted Living facility.  At this point, Mom's assets are above 80K, but considering her living expenses I expect they will be below 80K in four months.  I can wait to process the Aid and Assistance application.

Considering the dementia, I expect I will need to be appointed Fiduciary.  I know from reading this board that the application process to be appointed fiduciary takes a long time.  My question is: Is there any process or benefit to appling to be appointed fiduciary before applying for Aid and Assistance?  Other questions:  Are there any other forms that I can submit at this time that would be worthwhile (ex. Form 21-4138 Statement in Support of Claim or the form to be able to speak on behalf of the veteran)?

At Mom's age of 86, with her declining mental ability, I think I should do what I can as soon as I can to get this process going. Thanks for listening. 

[Fit2009]

AA first fid second

[pologal1979]

if you are already her guardian per the courts (not a durable poa - that is different) then submit the paperwork.  i am assuming this is not the case tho.  but to those of you out there if you have already went thru the count system to be made a legal guardian for the vet/widow then VA will acknowldge you and your signature IF you submit the copy of your documents