TIPS

[pologal1979]

A few things...

1.  When you submit a claim for benefits, be sure that you are being clear and your writing is legible. Do not leave spaces blank. if the answer is 0 or none, write 0 or none. SIGN the application.

if the claimant cannot sign for whatever reason, have them make an X. then 2 witnesses need to sign and provide their addresses.  OR if the claimant cannot even hold a pen, a thumbprint with the 2 witness/addresses is fine.

if you only hold durable POA over the vet/widow, VA does not accept your signature.  however, if you are the vet/widow's LEGAL guardian (by court order) then VA will take your signature.

2.  Be sure to have an alternate contact number and name on the form.  Dont be surprised if VA calls. They may need a quick answer to a question before they can proceed with a claim.  If you are the son/daughter/relative of the claimant VA reps do not normally gather info from you (unless they have you as a rep per a 21-22a).

3.  A 21-22a is a one shot deal for a relative of the claimant.  if the form is used for a lawyer as rep, then the lawyer will continue to receive correspondence, etc.

4.  READ and KEEP all letters VA sends you.  If you do not understand something call or post on this forum.

5.  Keep a binder for VA.  Keep copies of EVERYTHING you send.  Keep a log of when you send it. If you are on pension, then keep all medical receipts for a period of about 3 years.  Audits happen. Keep proof of the medical related things you purchase and report on your medical expense report.

6.  When reporting income for pension  - VA counts GROSS income, not NET.  If your not sure what figure to report, make your best judgement.  Then submit a COPY of the paystub showing what was actually received. 

7.  if you are not sure if a particular type of income is counted or not, report it anyway.  best to be on the safe side.

8.  Social security disability and SS retirement benefits are countable income for VA purposes.  Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is not.  however, if you are awarded some benefit from SSA and you are not sure what category the income falls under, then send in a copy of your SSA award letter.  Be sure to send along a signed statement with it.

9.  In every pension letter, it informs people that they are required to report changes in dependency, income and net worth.  This includes the selling of a property.

[Lorraine]

Make copies of store receipts because sometimes the ink on those receipts fade.  Do not forget you can count disposable underwear, wipes, latex gloves, and over the counter medications for reporting as expenses.
Lorraine

[pologal1979]

if you are already in receipt of pension be sure to report any changes right away. this includes a move from home to assisted living or nursing home.

this also includes changes in income.  dont wait until the end of the year to report any changes.  write up a statement, send evidence, and sign and date and copy everything you send.

if you receive notice of an overpayment, dont freak out. read the VA letter that tells you of the overpayment.  sometimes the overpayment was caused by an error in reporting. the debt management center will send you a letter telling you about the overpayment and how to pay it back. they will also send you a financial status report. you can fill it out and return it as a request for a waiver of the overpayment.  most of these are granted.

when applying for benefits for the first time - be aware that the veteran's service must be verified. to speed up the process submit an original or certified DD214. you can also make a request to NPRC for a certified copy. see va.gov for a link or look it up online. 

when thinking about applying for benefits, but you dont have all the info right away to submit? then submit an informal claim for benefits to protect an earlier date of claim.  submit a signed statement requesting the benefit you want. make a copy of it before you submit it.  is also recommend sending something like that as certified mail.  then you will have proof of what was sent and when it was sent.