Certain veterans may be entitled to compensation

Within the Code of Federal Regulations there is a little known law that allows veterans who are 100 percent disabled to draw for aid and attendance assistance if they are housebound or have multiple service-connected disabilities in addition to their 100 percent disability.

If it sounds confusing, it is, so I’ll attempt to explain it to you. This is different from the Aid and Attendance criteria that I’ve written about for veterans who are drawing pension. This is for those veterans who are entitled to compensation for their service-connected injury or illness.

Basically you may be eligible for the above if you meet the following criteria:

1. Are 100 percent permanent disability rated in one part of your body and have additional disability or disabilities independently ratable at 60 percent or more, separate and distinct from that 100 percent  permanent disability rating or 2. Are permanently housebound by reason of disability or disabilities.

The permanent housebound requirement is met when:

1. The veteran is substantially confined to his or her dwelling and the immediate premises.

2. Institutionalized, to a ward or clinical area, and it is reasonably certain that the disability or disabilities and resultant confinement will continue throughout his or her lifetime.

3. In need of another person to perform the personal functions of daily living.

For example, if you are rated for post traumatic stress disorder at 70 percent and you are also rated at 100 percent due to prostate cancer, you are eligible for SMC(s1) under the law.

Another example would be that you are rated 100 percent for ischemic heart disease and you also have a 60 percent for diabetes mellitus II, again you are eligible for SMC(s1) under the law.

Finally, if you are 100 percent service connected for interstitial lung disease and you are confined to your bed or living quarters, you would be eligible for SMC(s2) under the law. 

The above guidelines are the very basics. Call me for additional information or to set up an appointment 541-962-8802. I am located at the Center for Human Development, 2301 Cove Ave., La Grande.

Byron Whipple is the Union County veterans service officer.