The Department of Veterans Affairs in Washington, D.C. has now welcomed me as an accredited attorney for the preparation, presentation, and prosecution of claims for veterans’ benefits before the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
This accreditation is a privilege which carries very specific responsibilities, one of which is the requirement to maintain the confidentiality of the information in the veterans’ records. As a condition of accreditation, you must comply with the laws governing the representation of claimants before VA in 38 U.S.C. Chapter 59 and 38 C.F.R. part 14, and provide representation in accordance with the standards of conduct established by VA in 38 C.F.R. § 14.632.
I am honored to be one of the only attorneys in Northeast Ohio accredited with the Department of Veteran Affairs. Our office sees many aging veterans who have served their country with dignity and pride and it has been an honor for me and my office to be part of helping them get the benefits they are entitled to now.
Most VA pensions are only for veterans who were actually wounded or disabled while they were serving in the armed forces. But, there are millions of wartime veterans, their spouses or widows that may be eligible for special monthly pension benefits solely because they are over 65 years of age and are homebound, in assisted living or in a nursing home. They only need to prove that their medical expenses exceed certain income and asset limitations. The maximum benefit available (up to $1840 per month in some cases) can provide significant help in paying for long term care costs. The divorced spouse is not eligible, nor is a veteran who was dishonorably discharged.
It can take between four and six months for the veteran’s application for benefits to be processed. Fortunately, all benefits are retroactive to the original filing date. However, if the veteran or their spouse is ill, it can be a challenge to get everything done quickly.
The veteran must have served during the following time periods:
World War I – April 6, 1917 through November 11, 1918, extended to April 1, 1920, for those who served in Russia. Service after November 11, 1918 and before July 2, 1921 is considered World War I service if the veteran served in the active military, naval, or air service after April 5, 1917 and before November 12, 1918.
World War II – December 7, 1941 through December 31, 1946, extended to July 25, 1947, when continuous with active duty on or before December 31, 1946.
Korean War – July 27, 1950 through January 31, 1955.
Vietnam War – August 5, 1964 (February 28, 1961 for those who were in Vietnam) to May 7, 1975.
Persian Gulf War – August 2, 1990 to date yet to be determined.
Somalia, Bosnia, and Kosovo – No dates have been set.
As an Elder law attorney, I am very familiar with the rules, regulations and the specific information and forms needed for the VA “Aid and Attendance” Program and understand the complex issues that confront the veterans and their families.
Our goal is to counsel the veteran and their family so that they can achieve peace of mind. We are dedicated to protecting and serving senior citizens and those who love them and doing so in the strictest accordance of the law.
If you have any concerns or questions, please contact me, Paul J. Stano, at 440-888-6448 or email elder@stanolaw.com. Veterans can also learn more about the benefits that they have earned by requesting a free copy of my “Consumer’s Guide to VA Benefits” at my web site.
