Other EVR Questions

[edwina10]

Thanks so much for the guidance. 

1)  Any problem with 2 family members witnessing my dad's "X" on the EVR?

2)  And how do I report the payments my dad receives from his LTC insurance policy that are used to partially defray the SNF monthly expenses?

3)  This is my first EVR ... any other less-than-obvious pitfalls to avoid?

What an awesome website this is!!

[vetadmin]

Edwina,

1)     No problem

2)     I would list it clearly as a negative on the medical expense report if he was not receiving it before, otherwise, it should already be deducted by the VA on line 8a – so basically
        if his medical expenses are substantially different from 8a and she has to use the Medical expense report, make it a negative line item there.

[VSR]

With life insurance proceeds, it is important to report the difference between the return on premiums and the interest.  The biggest thing is... and I CANNOT stress this enough... is to fill out every blank.  Even if it does not apply, write "0" or "N/A".  Otherwise, VA will send it back and the benefits could go into suspense.  Also give a good phone number for you and for dad.  Even if dad doesn't understand much, let VA call him to get permission to talk to you.  Turning an 0845 is also good. 

[jpez]

If there is a capacity issue, then the only correct course of action is the proper VA forms 21-22a and 21-0845.
When seniors recieve calls like this they can become confused and give incorrect information. I have seen this happen several times when agencies call even though a POA is in place.  Twice applications were cancelled because the senior did not understand who was calling or why.
That advise is not 'real world'.
you as an individual, may have good intentions with that advise, but I don't believe that it is applicable across the board as an effective way to handle the situation.

[VSR]

Also, if you want to get set up as a fiduciary, VA no longer withholds monthly benefits, so if you submit medical evidence showing that he isn't capable of managing his own finances, then you could be assigned as his fiduciary and not have to worry about VA calling dad and getting information from him.