A&A APPROVED IN 3 WEEKS...12 MONTHS PRIOR APPROVED...IT REALLY DOES HAPPEN!!!

Well, Debbie, it's HAPPY DANCE time!!! On August 15th, 2012, a few weeks short of a year after applying for 12-months prior benefits, it really happened! We got a letter from VA approving my dad's application and went online to check his bank account. To our shock and amazement, there was a whole year's pension in Dad's account. My sister and I were just elated and my dad was so relieved and happy. Not only did VA approve 12-months prior benefits, they also approved the two months I requested for when I sent in VA Form 21-4138 Informal Claim to start the process. Originally, the Informal Claim was ignored and his pension was approved beginning when the application was received. Not only did VA approve the 12-months prior benefits and the 2 months back to the time of the Informal Claim, they also approved the request to increase his benefits from partial to full benefits based on the Medical Expense Form VA 21-8416 I sent in with a detailed list of ongoing un-reimbursed prescription co-pays. My wish is that my dad's story gives hope to those of you who are still waiting and wondering. I cannot possibly even begin to thank Debbie for this site! Every single thing I needed to know to apply for the A&A Pension Benefit, I learned right here. Because of Debbie and the support and information from others on the forums, my 87-year old dad who has Parkinson's and severe Rheumatoid Arthritis, can live in his own home where he feels safe and comfortable with the full-time care of his daughters who love him very much. We sat on the patio with Dad this week and watched a doe with 2 fawns in the woods behind his house, at least 12 different kinds of birds at the feeding stations, bird baths, and hummingbird feeders, and a myriad of butterflies in the butterfly garden I planted for him to enjoy. It is actually cool and rainy in Oklahoma in August...it just doesn't get any better than this! Pat