Dependents And Down Syndrome

[Tampabud]

I received my rating of 40%, and the VA sent me the Declaration of Status of Dependents form (21-686C). In section III it asks for the name/DOB/SSN of my children and what their status is... The note in the box right above where you put in the info says:

"If any child is claimed as "seriously disabled" (item 14h) it must be shown that the child became permanently unable to support him/herself before reaching age 18. Furnish a statement from an attending physician or other medical evidence which shows the nature and extent of the physical or mental impairment."

My daughter has down syndrome. I went looking for anything in writing that classifies down syndrome when it comes to claiming her as a dependent with special needs, but couldn't find anything. Does anyone here have any experience or know where I should look for info regarding this? Should I just claim it and send in her "diagnosis"?

Thanks for reading.

[JT24usn]

It's asking about helpless child. You can receive benefits for child after age 18 if seriously disabled.

http://www.benefits.va.gov/warms/docs/admin21/m21_1/mr/part3/subptiii/ch05/ch05_secf.doc

Jmho