Veteran Legal Benefits & Claims

Key VA benefits include: healthcare through the VA system, disability compensation for service-connected conditions, Aid and Attendance pension for veterans needing help with daily activities (often used for assisted living costs), educational benefits (GI Bill) transferable to dependents, life insurance programs, and burial benefits.

Aid and Attendance is a pension enhancement for veterans (and surviving spouses) who need help with activities of daily living — bathing, dressing, eating, or supervision due to mental or physical incapacity. It significantly supplements income for those requiring in-home care or residing in assisted living. Eligibility involves service, age or disability, income, and asset criteria.

The VA maintains a searchable directory of VA-accredited attorneys and claims agents at va.gov/ogc/accreditation.asp. Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) — American Legion, VFW, DAV, AMVETS — provide free benefits assistance through trained service officers. Be wary of any service that charges upfront fees for VA claims assistance — this is generally prohibited.

Yes. Surviving spouses of veterans who died in service or from a service-connected condition qualify for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC). Surviving spouses of wartime veterans may qualify for Survivors Pension, including Aid and Attendance enhancement for those with care needs. VA burial benefits are also available to eligible surviving spouses.