Did you know that if a veteran served at least 90 days of active duty, one day of which was during wartime, they or their surviving spouse could be eligible for a VA pension to help offset the costs associated with assisted living, home health care attendants, a nursing home stay, prescriptions, or other health care issues? Their disability does not have to be service-connected. They did not have to retire from the military. They did not have to actually be in combat or even overseas. They simply have to meet the income and net worth criteria, and need assistance with their medical expenses. This is a little known and little utilized benefit that veterans have earned and deserve.
As a Veteran (Captain, U.S. Air Force JAG) and military brat, Mr. Petersen is passionate about working with Veterans and their surviving spouses to maximize benefits that may be available to them and enhance their lives. This, in turn, gives comfort to their families, knowing that loved ones are receiving better care. Unfortunately, many veterans, their families, attorneys, and other client advocates are either unaware such programs exist or are unable to successfully navigate the VA bureaucracy. It is important to incorporate VA planning into estate, incapacity, and long-term planning.
