Elder law attorney Jim Koewler joins Suzanne to talk about qualifying for the federal program known as VA Compensation.

There is also a Compensation program for surviving family members left behind when a veteran has died during their active service time or training in the military. There is no requirement for having to serve during wartime. There is special monthly compensation for a veteran or a surviving spouse, child, or parent who has certain disabilities or needs help with at least two activities of daily living: eating, walking, bathing, getting in and out of a bed/chair, cleaning up after going to the bathroom, grooming, dressing.

When qualifications are met, the Department of Veterans Affairs rates the level of disability, from 0 to 100 in increments of 10, which is up to the case manager. If the rating is 0, it was still established to be related to a service-related injury, and if the disability worsens later in life, you just have to demonstrate that it's worse, and the level could be raised.

You can see slides from this presentation on the YouTube video of this podcast. Learn more at http://www.protectingseniors.com or email Jim at jkoewler-afe@protectingseniors.com.