admiral7

this is an exerpt from the M-21 Manual- Chapter 3. Special Monthly Pension (SMP) Ratings 1. Ratings for Aid and Attendance (A&A) Allowance Introduction This topic contains information on ratings for the Aid and Attendance (A&A) allowance, including • the criteria for entitlement to A&A • the requirement for a single 100-percent evaluation • action to take when there is no 100-percent evaluation or need for A&A shown • when to infer a claim for A&A or Housebound benefits • presuming the need for A&A when the veteran is in nursing home care, and • when no rating decision is required to grant A&A. Change Date December 13, 2005 a. Criteria for Entitlement to A&A Per 38 CFR 3.352(a), to be entitled to the Aid and Attendance (A&A) allowance, the veteran must be so helpless that he/she requires the aid of another person to perform the personal functions required in everyday living. Per 38 CFR 3.351©(1), a veteran who has bilateral vision of 5/200 or less, or contraction of the central visual field to five degrees or less, is entitled to the A&A allowance without the requirement of additional findings. Greater disability is required for entitlement to the additional allowance for regular A&A than for entitlement to the Housebound rate or for a basic 100-percent schedular evaluation. Note: The need for A&A does not have to be permanent before the additional Special Monthly Pension (SMP) benefits can be awarded (VAOPGCPREC 21-94). maybe this will help,if you need the form just ask an S.O.I was given the form at a meeting with the voc rehab counselor as there was also a texas vets S.O. present.Any doctor can fill it out,there is no requirement that it be filled by a VA doctor.

Why do you need a lawyer or an agency to fill out the form for A & A ? I simply took the application to my primary care doctor and he filled it in for me.It's a very simple form but needs the signature of a physician.

during an informal conference,there is no recording unless one of the partys requests it.That is why it is called informal.To omit statements,comments,and even hard evidence is not unusual in an informal conference.

What is the current rates and where to find these for a veteran needing aid and attendance.I can't find this under the ratings table or SMC

are we obligated in any way to answer the VCAA letter? if so what where when and why? thanks

jstacy---How and where did you find the ships engineering log?I too need to locate the one for the ship I was on.I can only find the deck logs which are of no help.

Allan,I was an engineman on board a diesel powered ship and worked in the boiler room with the distilling unit which was covered with the stuff.The whole room was full of it and also the pipes ran right by my bunk.Shortly before discharge we went into drydock ship yard to prepare the ship for decommissioning and was once again exposed .Hope this helps,if you need any help just ask.

I received my letter yesterday stating service connection granted 60% for asbestosis due to service while on board ship.Claim was opened May 2006 approximatly 60 days to completion,thanks to all on this panel for helping everyone to submit a well prepared claim folder.Watch your mail T-Bird and once again thank you one and all for everything you do for vets. :)

Can someone show the list of benefits for the different rating percentages for all to see.I know it was posted here before but I can't seem to find it again.It would be very beneficial to all veterans if it were put on the home page or at least a link.Lots of vets don't even know what they are entitled to once they are rated.Thank you. :(

Yes there were tests done on vete without there permission in the late fifties early sixtys so you will need to look up Radiation Exposed vets and you will find info pertaining to (sp)naso-pharyngal exposure.

I am a radiation exposed veteran also known as atomic vets.You should tell your husband to immediately sign up for the Radiation Registry at his local VAMC.He can expect to have long waiting periods during his claim process un less he has one of the 21 cancers that are listed on the Presumptive list for Radiation ExpOsed vets.My claim has been in the works since 1977,there are only a handful of radiation claims that have been approved.He should also include exposure to DU, depleted Uranium,in his claim since he was involved in the destruction of munitions. Don't fail to sign up for the RR, they will give him a complete radiation examination,If he still has problems getting his claim approved he can always sign up for RECA with the DOJ.RECA=radiation exposure compensation act.DOJ=department of justice.He should list every ailment he has as radiation exposure whether it be DU or IR.Good luck with you claim.You might also want to visit the NAAV.org for more info.

I put in my request for a travel board hearing in june 04 and I'm still not on the list yet.There is no way of knowing when you will be added to the list.

http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-...=38%3A1.0.1.1.5 this link worked for me hope it helps

can you please explain this further,I would like to know what these readings should be for normal.as opposed to restricted.

I am not sc'ed yet but they provided me with diabetic shoes.Great shoes too,most comfortable pair I have had in years.my pc doc ordered them,got them in less than a week.