A&a

[Pete53]

I have a S Rating but I also have been thinking that I probably do qualify for a R1 rating for A&A. This is not my wheelhouse but I will give my reasons and ask the Hadit experts to comment.

For almost 3 years the Dallas VAMC has provided me with a nurse who comes to my house once or twice a week to check vitals and help me with my medications. Three times a week an aide comes out who helps me bathe as U have a lot of problems with lower half of my body. The aide also makes sure that house is picked up and offers to change linen on bed.

After reading regulations it seems to me that I might qualify but to be honest I don't really understand it that well. Since I already get S I think for agoraphobia and 100% Panic Disorder although at the C&P the Doc really went over how well I am able to get around and take my own baths.

My wife is no longer able to help me and I am seeing a Podiditrist every four months to take care of toe nails and calluses using my Medicare HMO.

Any comments would be greatly appreciated,

[john999]

Pete

I think you should apply for it. You need help with every day needs such as bathing and taking care of yourself.

Your wife can't help you. You probably need PT as well since you have trouble with your feet and regular exercise. I am not an expert on this but I would try and see what happens. Who prepares food?

[Pete53]

John:

Thanks for your reply. We buy take out and have it delivered and TV Dinners. My third son has moved in with us to help us out but it is embarrassing to ask him to help us with stuff.

Just got word that HISA is going to ok walk in shower and two tall toilets and grab bars. The Independent Living is supposed to meet soon to approve a temperpedic bed and hopefully an air conditioner. We have had 31 days of 100 or more and probably another week till a break. Our current a.c was put in 1996 when I got a nice retro check. Its supposed to be 104 today but it was 91 at 8 am. Our lows are setting records almost every day. We don't even get a cool night anymore. I am becoming a believer in global warming.

Don't get me wrong I am not helpless per VA criteria nor bed ridden but my research says all you need is one of the issues not all of them.

The main thing I have found out is only 4% of the Veterans who are entitled to the pension A&A get it about 73,000. I saw one you tube where the nursing home said that when he explained it to his residents some of them cried. Why does the VA not have outreach on this program?

[carlie]

Pete,

Check your PM section.

[Pete53]

I just mailed off a letter to my friendly and helpful VA Waco Regional Office requesting A&A cause the VAMC in Dallas is already sending me help.

I was shocked to learn that VA estimates only 4% of eligible Veterans get this benefit.

[john999]

You know why the VA does not have outreach? They don't want to pay for A&A.