Help Please

[Dbranson]

I am the sole caretaker for my spouse which makes it extremely difficult to leave and go to a VA facility to file my claim. When I registered for Ebenefits it says I have to have a Premium Account but I cannot just leave for the in person verification.

It is imperative that I get benefits because of recent health status and also the full time care my wife will need if/when I need a treatment plan.

 

Can somebody direct me on how to get VA Form 21-526 filled out and also to obtain my C File? I have a portion of my medical record  frm my time in service in the Army from 1972-1976.

 

Any help or guidance is greatly appreciated, I live in a fairly remote area without a local VSO or Rep.

 

Regards

[Buck52]

Do you have family that can come and care for her while you run up to the VA?

If not you can call the VA ebenefits people and let them know your situation and the may can come to your home and set you up on ebenefit's  premium account.

[broncovet]

You can find a fillable 21-526 here:

https://www.va.gov/vaforms/form_detail.asp?FormNo=21-526

If you have a printer you can print it and mail it in.  

The Senior services in your area should be able to help at least provide someone to watch while you in person authenticate.  

[Carl the Engineer]

Also, if you take care of your wife, you are entitled to additional VA monies.  I am 80% and I get an additional $122 a month.  It's called Spousal Aid and Attendance.  Not to be confused with the disabled Veteran's Aid and Attendance.

You really need someone to look after your wife while you go to the VA and get the ball rolling.  Do you have a County Veterans Service Officer (CVSO)'s in your state?  That's were I would start. The VA will do nothing for you by themselves.  You have to do it all, and hopefully with some help.

And its going to take time.  A simple claim may take as little a 3 months, whereas a complex case can take years if not many years.  My simple claims average 8-12  months.

Are you in the VA system and do you get compensation currently.

 

Hamslice

 

[Dbranson]

• Thanks, I have filled out the 21-526 (thanks broncovet)
• Dbranson.

[broncovet]

Oh, and yes, you are likely to need your cfile.  Some suggest filing out a Freedom of information form, but my experience is you dont need it, just send a request to your VARO.  You may be able to get your medical records at the release of information office at your VAMC.  

I can tell you from experience, you also need "time off" from being a full time 24/7 caretaker for someone else.  If you dont take at least one weekend a month (two is better), then your health is likely to deteriorate.  

Nobody can work 24/7 for an extended period of time.  You will go crazy.  

[Dbranson]

broncovet, Thank you and yes the 24/7 care for my wife is very hard and it is taking a toll on my health.

I have not worked with the VA so all this is new to me ( what is VAMC)?