By Larry Dandridge
Last week’s The Island News article on veterans’ benefits covered the need to turn in additional forms when a veteran files a service-connected disability claim for:
- For increased compensation if a veteran cannot work (Individual Unemployability).
- For compensation related to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or another mental health condition.
- This is for an allowance for an automobile (or other conveyance and adaptive equipment).
Last week’s article can be read at https://bit.ly/4fHbtzj. That article also provided The Island News readers with:
- A recommendation for veterans and their family members to use a VSO and to do their homework when filing for VA benefits and services. Veterans should use a VA-accredited Veterans Service Officer (VSO) to help them with state and federal benefits claims. VSO services are free. VSOs are trained, must pass a background check, must complete continuing education, and are frequently veterans themselves.
- A suggested list of Department of Veteran Affairs webpages to help them prepare for a meeting with a Veterans Service Officer (VSO) and to prepare for filing a claim for service-connected disability compensation and associated special claims.
- A recommended list of The Island News’ previously published articles and VA webpages referenced in those articles as good places to start preparing to file for a service-connected disability compensation VA rating award.
- A warning to veterans and their families about disability and pension benefit scams. Many recipients of disability and pension benefits are targets for fraudulent activity. Scammers use a variety of methods to either swindle veterans out of earned benefits or convince them to apply for benefits they are not eligible for. Learn more at https://bit.ly/4fHbALf.
More homework, additional forms
This article will cover additional VA forms veterans may need to file when they submit disability claims. Veterans should read the information at the following VA webpages before submitting a claim for disability:
- “File Additional Forms for Your Disability Claim,” found at https://bit.ly/3XgpDxU.
- “Separation Health Assessment for Service Members,” [only if you are still in the military and filing a claim through the Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) program] found at https://bit.ly/3QvpV2U.
Additional forms
According to the VA’s webpage, “Find Additional Forms for Your Disability Claim” (https://bit.ly/3XgpDxU), veterans may need to submit additional forms when they file their disability claims. Today’s article covers explicitly:
- Forms for an adaptive equipment grant for your automobile.
- Forms for a clothing allowance.
- More helpful information.
For an adaptive-equipment grant for a veteran’s automobile
When a veteran files a claim for disability compensation, they also must submit VA Form 10-1394, An Application for Adaptive Equipment—Motor Vehicle. Veterans can download VA Form 10-1394 at https://bit.ly/3Zky6nk. Learn more about automobile allowance and adaptive equipment eligibility and benefits at https://bit.ly/3TXtXjP. Veterans with questions can ask their VSO or call the VA at 800-827-1000 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern Time.
For a clothing allowance
When a veteran files a claim for disability compensation, they must submit VA Form 10-8678, An Application for Annual Clothing Allowance. If a veteran’s clothing has been damaged by their prosthetic or orthopedic device (such as a wheelchair) or by the medicine they are taking for a skin condition, they may be able to get money each year to help them buy new clothes. Veterans can download VA Form 10-8678 at https://bit.ly/4i1xQkl. Learn more about VA clothing allowance at https://bit.ly/3OoTfq3.
MORE HELPFUL INFORMATION
Supporting forms for VA claims
When veterans file a claim for some VA benefits, they must submit additional forms to support their claim. Go to the VA webpage titled “Supporting Forms for VA Claims” at https://bit.ly/3KPYQ7I to find the needed forms. Those forms may include:
- Authorize the VA to release your information to a third-party source Form (VA Form 21-0845) or Intent to file (VA Form 21-0966).
- Request priority processing for an existing claim Form (VA Form 20-10207) or Request personal records Form (VA Form 20-10206).
- Request to be a substitute claimant for a deceased claimant Form (VA Form 21P-0847) or Sign VA claim forms as an alternate signer Form (VA Form 21-0972).
View or change dependents on your VA Disability Benefits
Veterans can find out if they are eligible and how to add a dependent spouse, child, or parent to their VA disability benefits for additional compensation. They can also sign in to VA.gov to view dependents currently added to their benefits. Learn more about eligibility, how to view current dependents claimed, how to add a dependent to your VA disability benefits, who the VA considers a dependent, when to add a dependent, using a VSO to help file claims, find answers to questions, and more at https://bit.ly/3AIDab2.
How to apply for an adapted housing grant
Find out if you are eligible and how to apply for a Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) or Special Home Adaptation (SHA) grant online, by mail, or in person at https://bit.ly/3SGUot2 and past The Island News articles on this subject at https://bit.ly/495LxuE and
Veterans must fill out an Application in Acquiring Specially Adapted Housing or Special Home Adaptation Grant (VA Form 26-4555) to apply for an adapted housing grant. If veterans need help with their application, they can ask their VSO for assistance or call a VA SAH Staff member at 877-827-3702 (or teletypewriter – TTY: 711).
VA Aid and Attendance Benefits and Housebound Allowance
VA Aid and Attendance or Housebound benefits provide monthly payments added to the amount of a monthly VA pension for qualified veterans and survivors. If a veteran needs help with daily activities or is housebound, they can find out if they qualify at https://bit.ly/3sKJ5Wd.
Veterans must fill VA Form 21-2680 (Examination for Housebound Status or Permanent Need for Regular Aid and Attendance) to apply by mail or in person. Veterans can have their doctor fill out the examination information section. Download VA Form 21-2680 at https://bit.ly/4g5AjII.
Veterans should use VA Form 21-0779, “Request for Nursing Home Information in Connection with Claim for Aid and Attendance Form,” if they are nursing home residents and provide supporting information for their claim application for VA Aid and Attendance benefits.
The bottom line
Filing a claim for VA disability can be quite complicated. Do your homework and use a VSO to help you. Read The Island News article at https://bit.ly/3OgLZwl.
Larry Dandridge is a Vietnam War wounded warrior, disabled veteran, ex-Enlisted Infantryman, ex-Warrant Officer Pilot, and retired Lt. Colonel. He is a past Veterans Service Officer, a Patient Adviser at the RHJ VA Hospital, a Fisher House Charleston Good Will Ambassador, and the VP for Veteran Affairs for the local Association of the US Army (AUSA) Chapter. Larry is the author of the award-winning Blades of Thunder (Book One) and a contributing freelance writer with The Island News. Contact him at LDandridge@earthlink.net or 843-276-7164.
