Navigating Veterans Benefits

Veterans and their families often miss out on valuable benefits because they don’t know what’s available. VA pensions and disability compensation may be widely recognized programs, but their lesser-known benefits can provide crucial financial support later in life.

Pension benefits are available to older or permanently disabled veterans who served during wartime and meet specific income requirements. Disability compensation, on the other hand, supports vets with service-related injuries and illnesses, regardless of their net worth or income. 

Many veterans aren’t aware that conditions like Parkinson’s or heart disease, even if diagnosed decades after discharge from the military, could qualify them for benefits. “Veterans who were exposed to chemical hazards or other hazardous materials during their service may be entitled to veteran disability compensation for illnesses or conditions related to their exposure,” says board-certified elder law attorney Stephanie L. Schneider at the Law Offices of Stephanie L. Schneider in Plantation. “Veterans may not have been ill or disabled when they left the military. Now, they must show a causal connection between exposure to a hazard during the time they served and the current diagnosis.” If it is determined that an illness or injury was worsened or caused by their service, a veteran can receive a VA-assigned disability rating and tax-free monthly compensation.

Veterans with a 70% or higher disability rating who need long-term care can have their stay in a state-operated veterans nursing home fully covered, says Schneider. If a veteran does not have a disability rating and does not qualify for veteran disability benefits, a program called Veteran Aid & Attendance may help pay for home health care or assisted living.

Vets may need to compare the value of their benefit options, says attorney Jason Neufeld, who focuses on elder law and Medicaid planning at Elder Needs Law in Aventura. For example, if full-time nursing home care is necessary and not available in a veterans nursing home, Medicaid will likely provide a better benefit than the VA, Neufeld says. Meanwhile, veterans who can age at home may find that VA benefits like A&A make more financial sense. 

It’s also possible, Neufeld says, to stack benefits. “There’s no reason why you can’t have Social Security, veterans benefits and Medicaid benefits all helping you out, especially if you’re at home or in an assisted living facility.” 

In Florida, veterans may qualify for property tax exemptions. “If a veteran was honorably discharged, has a service-connected, permanent total disability and owns a home in Florida, they may be exempt,” says elder law attorney Collett Small at Slater & Small in Pembroke Pines. Surviving spouses may also qualify if the veteran died while on active duty.

Veterans with a discharge other than dishonorable may also be eligible for a casket or cremains burial at a national cemetery at no cost. Small notes that private cemetery benefits, including a government marker or medallion, are also available. Veterans can submit a pre-need determination of eligibility. “You’ll get a response from the VA if you’re eligible and we can put it in the estate planning documents so your burial wishes will be honored,” says Small.  

Many veterans programs have financial eligibility limits. The VA assesses a veteran’s net worth—currently capped around $160,000—while Medicaid has a much stricter $2,000 asset ceiling. However, “IRAs, 401(k)s and other retirement plans are protected assets under Medicaid but not under VA rules,” explains Neufeld. “There’s a whole formula involved.”   

With numerous programs available, the application process can be complex, and choosing between or coordinating eligibility for VA and Medicaid benefits requires careful planning. While Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) provide free assistance with completing the applications, they cannot offer legal advice. Be careful of nonlawyer individuals or companies that say they can qualify a veteran for benefits for a fee. Accredited agents are not allowed to charge veterans for preparing and filing applications. If a claim is denied, a veteran can turn to an accredited VA attorney or agent, who is then entitled to compensation, says Schneider.

Early planning is essential for veterans and their families, and can significantly affect the quality of their later years. Unfortunately, Schneider says, many benefits are well-kept secrets. “Veterans spent time away from spouses and young children and gave their lives to protect our country and our freedom,” she adds. “They need to know about these programs.”

A Few Facts

• Pension eligibility generally includes: being over 65, falling below income/net-worth limits, and having at least one day of wartime service, per VA.gov/pension.
• Benefits criteria may be updated annually, says Small; check VA.gov for current information.
• Schneider recommends consulting a VA-accredited agent to become informed on eligibility requirements for various veterans benefits and legal options.