Claimant's Representative

[nintu]

I am so thankful to have found your website... I just heard about the A&A pension last week and am starting the application process for my mother.   She will be 90 in a couple months, is a WWII veteran, lives in an Assisted Living facility and has gone through almost her and my father's entire life savings.  Reading through all the information on POA's has gotten me a little confused though and I'd like some clarification, please.

She does not have Altzheimer's nor has she been diagnosed with any form of dementia; but she is forgetful and can get a little confused at times.  She is legally blind from macular degeneration and cannot handle her own affairs.  Will submitting the revised Form 21.22A,  "Appointment of Individual as Claimant's Representative", automatically trigger that lengthy process of interviewing that everyone complains about?  In the interest of time, I would like to avoid any possible delays wherever possible.  But I worry that if I don't submit that form and the VA calls her she might not know what or how to respond.
Any advice you can give will be greatly appreciated!
Thank you,
Nancy

[jpez]

Nancy,
Great News!!!!
Legally blind is the quickest to get approved!!
use form 21-2680 Doctor report.  Have her eye doctor put in the 'corrected vision' (ie: 20/100 or what ever it is) I think legally blind is 20/400 but the minute the VA person see that they move it along.
The key to this form is LEGIABLE PRINTING!!!!!!
Also, you have to give an explination, ie questrion 22 IS CLAIMANT ABLE TO PREPARE OWN MEALS?  DUHHHH!!!! (is not the correct answer....lol!) Because claimant is legally blind, she is unable to see the stove and could burn herself.
all the answers need a "BECAUSE" that matches the diognoses.

[nintu]

jpez -- many thanks for your response and yes, that is good news!
Your info is greatly appreciated...
Nancy

[jpez]

legally blind is 5/200 I just saw that on a VA site. And it is concidered 'a laydown' automartic.

[VSR]

Unless she is incompetent, you won't be assigned a fiduciary (this is a good thing).  Fill out an 0845 and submit that instead.  This is a much better idea.  Also, use iris.va.gov