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> VA Pension

Aid and Attendance (A&A) - Special Monthly Pension (SMP)

For veterans who need aid and attendance as a result of non-service related condition(s) they may qualify for an increased VA Pension benefit.

For veterans who need aid and attendance as a result of a service related condition(s). Please see our article on Special Monthly Compensation. Specifically, SMC L (Aid and Attendance) or SMC R1/R2 (Special Aid and Attendance).

Eligibility

  • Qualify for VA Pension AND meet at least one of the following criteria:

    • Need another person to help you perform daily activities, like bathing, feeding, and dressing;

    • Have to stay in bed or spend a large portion of the day in bed—because of illness;

    • Are a patient in a nursing home due to the loss of mental or physical abilities related to a disability; or

    • Eyesight is limited (even with glasses or contact lenses you have only 5/200 or less in both eyes; or concentric contraction of the visual field to 5 degrees or less).

Applying

  1. Complete VA Form 21-2680.

  2. Once completed mail to the PMC located in your state.

Veterans should also include the following with their VA form:

  • Evidence, like a doctor’s report, that shows you need A&A care.

  • Details about what you normally do during the day.

  • Details that help show what kind of illness, injury, or mental or physical disability affects your ability to do things, like take a bath, on your own.

NOTE:

  • Veterans who are in the care of a nursing home must also fill out and turn in a VA Form 21-0779.

References