Legit expenses: Dental insurance premium? OTC drugs?

[magnumpi28]

Was wondering if the two were considered medical expenses to lower your income for VA Aid benifit,

1. The dental insurance premium we pay? (If not, would it be better to cancel the dental insurance and then just submit the dental bill to the VA because isnt dental work considered a medical expense?)

2. Are Over the Counter drugs like say asprin or tylenol that the doctor has prescribed considered expenses to lower you income for VA aid benifit?

One more question, If my mothers income(surviving spouse) is 1156 per month, to get the full benfit of 999 dollars we would have to have medical expenses of at LEAST 1156 dolllars??? Is that correct?

[Fit2009]

You would actually need about $60 more than her income in medical expenses to get the full $1055 per month as the first 5% of medical expenses is on the applicants dime.  I do not know how dental premiums are handled, but it is harder to get into the program than it is to get your partial award increased. Therefore, if she has no assets, I would move ahead with the filing and worry about getting it increased at a later date.  Just my opinion,
Patty

[magnumpi28]

Thanks, that helps! What about OTC drugs like tylenol, mucinex that the doctor wants her to take???
Any thoughts if they count as medical expenses?