How to file a VA Aid & Attendance benefit claim
Step-by-step guide for veterans + surviving spouses applying for the VA Aid & Attendance benefit — additional monthly pension on top of basic VA pension for veterans (or surviving spouses) who need help with activities of daily living, are bedridden, in a nursing home, or have severe vision loss. 2025 maximum: ~$2,800/mo for veteran, ~$1,500/mo for surviving spouse. 5 steps using VA Form 21-2680.
What you'll need
- VA Form 21-2680 (Examination for Housebound Status or Permanent Need for Regular Aid and Attendance)
- VA Form 21P-527EZ (for veterans applying for basic Pension first)
- VA Form 21P-534EZ (for surviving spouses applying for DIC + Aid & Attendance)
- Doctor's statement documenting daily-living-assistance need
- Proof of income + assets (Aid & Attendance is needs-tested)
- Free CVSO
Step-by-step
Step 1: Confirm eligibility (veteran OR surviving spouse path)
For VETERANS: must be 65+ OR permanently + totally disabled OR receiving Social Security Disability OR in a nursing home, AND served 90+ days active duty with at least one day during wartime, AND meet income/asset limits ($150K asset cap for 2024, lower income limits). For SURVIVING SPOUSES: receiving DIC + meet medical-need criteria, OR receiving Survivors Pension + meet medical-need criteria. Medical-need criteria: needs assistance with activities of daily living, bedridden, in nursing home, OR has severe vision loss (5/200 or worse).
Step 2: Get a doctor's statement (THE most important document)
Have your doctor (any licensed physician — VA or civilian) complete VA Form 21-2680. The doctor must specifically document: which activities of daily living (ADLs) you cannot perform without assistance, OR confirm you are bedridden, OR confirm nursing home residence, OR confirm severe vision loss. Vague language fails. Specific clinical observations succeed. The form has a checklist — make sure your doctor checks the right boxes.
Step 3: Get free help from a CVSO
Aid & Attendance claims have higher complexity than standard VA disability claims (income/asset rules, medical-need documentation, multi-form submission). Free CVSO/VFW/American Legion/DAV reps file these regularly and have higher grant rates than self-filed claims. Find your nearest CVSO at warriorsfund.org/find-cvso. Service is FREE. NEVER pay for help on initial Aid & Attendance claims.
Step 4: File the right form package
For VETERAN already receiving VA pension: just VA Form 21-2680 (additional Aid & Attendance request). For VETERAN not yet receiving pension: VA Form 21P-527EZ (basic pension) + VA Form 21-2680 (Aid & Attendance addition). For SURVIVING SPOUSE already receiving DIC: just VA Form 21-2680. For SURVIVING SPOUSE not yet receiving DIC: VA Form 21P-534EZ + VA Form 21-2680. File online via va.gov/pension/aid-attendance-housebound/ or in person via your CVSO.
Reference: https://www.va.gov/pension/aid-attendance-housebound/
Step 5: Track + respond to VA evidence requests
VA may schedule a Compensation & Pension exam to verify medical need. Attend it. May request additional financial documentation — provide quickly (30-day deadline typical). Initial decision typically 60-180 days. If approved, monthly stipend backdates to the date you filed. If denied, file appeal within 1 year — see /api/v1/howto/respond-to-va-denial.json.
Critical tips
- Aid & Attendance is INCOME-TESTED + ASSET-TESTED — unlike VA disability compensation. The 2024 asset cap is $150K (excluding primary residence + 1 vehicle). Plan estate transfers carefully BEFORE applying — VA looks back 36 months for asset transfers.
- For surviving spouses: Aid & Attendance combines with DIC for substantial support (~$3,000+/mo combined for 100%-rated veteran's widow needing daily-living assistance).
- Beware of "pension poachers" — financial advisors who charge fees to help veterans qualify for Aid & Attendance via asset transfers. Many of these schemes are now illegal under VA Look-Back Rules. Use a free CVSO or accredited VA representative — never pay.
- A&A is NOT the same as VA Pension or DIC — it's an ADDITIONAL benefit on top. Many eligible veterans + surviving spouses don't apply because they don't know it exists.