Filling out form question

[MaryJane]

Thank you for all the great information here on this site!  My questions has to do with the first few questions on the aid and attendance form.  I am daughter applying for my mom (dementia).  She has been receiving surviving spouse benefits for years.  Is that what they mean by if she has filed any other claims with VA?

Also, what's the most recent criteria for the fiduciary POA requirements? 
Thank you.

[VSR]

Fiduciary and POA are completely different things.

Here is what I suggest:

Start with the 0845.  Without this VA won't talk to you or share any info with you.  Submit any claims you have signed by mom.  Then take it from there.  If the medical evidence indicates that she needs a fiduciary, VA will come out and meet with you.  Main thing is that you turn in the 0845.  VA employees LOVE these since we can actually talk to the sons and daughters of the claimants instead of trying to obtain information from people who don't understand what is being asked.

[jpez]

mary jane,
are you refering to 21-534?
and when you say surviving spouse benefits are you refeirng to a retirement check that continued at after dad died? That would not be concidered a 'previuos claim.'