I called the VA regarding the A & A benefit application and they said I do not need to send bank statements. Is that accurate?
You can include a copy of the most recent bank statement, so in the event the VA ultimately asks for it, it will already be part of the application process.
These days, you're much more likely to need your 2013 bank statement. The VA is denying, or awarding partial benefits, based on 2013 income that isn't reported on the original application. If they hear from the IRS that income received in 2013 isn't reported on the current application, the burden is on the applicant to explain if the income is still received or, if not, prove that it's not.