Increased Survivor Benefit question

[Kaydaughter]

Hi,
I'm new and can't seem to find an answer this question. My mom is the widow of a vet who is already receiving survivor's benefits.  She has dementia.  I applied for A&A last December '09 and included the 21-2680 from her doctor. Now VA wants more info, and I just found out I can't talk to them because we didn't file one of the forms (I don't know which one to use) that lets me talk to the VA on her behalf. She has about 2 more weeks before the 30-day window is supposed to shut and I'm a little panicky. Do I file a separate doctor's letter that I have diagnosing dementia? What kind of additional personal statement should I include? Do I apply to be a fiduciary, knowing that it will slow down a process that's already lasted nearly 10 months? Any suggestions would be welcome.

[Fit2009]

Are you sure they want more medical evidence?  If the medical evidence says dementia, tehy must be wondering if it has reached the stage where assisted living is required and not a nice to have.  Include a note from the doctor where they state assisted living is recommended.  Do not do anything about the fiducary, there is nothing you can do about it at this point.

[Kaydaughter]

Thanks very much, I appreciate it.  My mom is already in assisted living, and I filed a separate form from the facility with the paperwork last year and they acknowledged that they have already gotten this form. What I didn't do is include the rep form so I can talk to VA on my mom's behalf, so I can't even call them to ask what the heck they want or need. I guess what I'm afraid of is the 30 day time period running out for her before I can get a chance to talk to them - and all because I didn't file the right form. 

[AngelaManz]

Fill out VA Form 21-0845 - Authorization to Disclose Personal Beneficiary Information

This will allow you to speak to the VA without going through the fiduciary process.  Have your mother sign it, choose a password, and send it in.  You shouldn't have any problems after that.  I put a link to the form below

http://www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/VBA-21-0845-ARE.pdf