There are struggles at every level of being a Veteran these days. These struggles are compounded when faced with Mental or Physical disabilities as a result of service to this country. In the worst cases, families may find that going it alone is impossible and requires the assistance of outside professional help in accomplishing the most basic of daily tasks. There is a little known Veteran's Administration "Special Pension" that provides an "Aid and Attendance (A&A)" Benefit. This benefit is for veterans and surviving spouses who require the regular attendance of another person to assist in eating, bathing, dressing and undressing or taking care of the needs of nature. In short, someone incapacitated to the point of requiring the help of another person's assistance in completing the fundamental basic functions of life.

It also covers individuals who are blind or are patients in a nursing home because of mental or physical incapacity or assisted care in an assisting living facility. The A&A Pension, as it is frequently referred to, can provide up to $1,519 per month to a veteran, $976 per month to a surviving spouse, or $1,801 per month to a couple depending on the qualification.

As with any other VA Pensions or benefits, eligibility must be proven by filing the proper Veterans Application for Pension or Compensation. The application will require a copy of DD-214 (see below for more information) or separation papers, Medical Evaluation from a physician, current medical issues, net worth limitations, and net income, along with out-of-pocket Medical Expenses.

There are several different methods of completing the application for A&A. The most accessible are through a Service Organization (American Legion, DAV, etc.,) or can be filed for directly through the VA. For more detailed information on the A&A visit VeteranAid.org where you can also find theImproved Pension Beginner's Guide.