Veterans In California alone, there are currently over two million veterans. These men and women have collectively served in WWII, the Korean War, the war in Vietnam, the Bosnian conflict and the continuing clash in the Middle East. Often veterans return to civilian life without a solid understanding of the benefits that are available to them and their families over the course of their life.

Veterans may return to our country with wounds--some physical, some psychological. While most veterans lead relatively normal lives well until their retirement years, others find that life is more of a struggle. The Veterans Administration (VA) offers many benefits to the men and women who wore our uniform, both in terms of financial and medical care.

The benefits provided by the VA cover a wide variety of medical issues. Benefits fall into two categories: service connected and non-service connected. Many veterans with service-connected issues, they received treatment at the time of the injury, but may experience ongoing problems connected to the injury. Other types of service-connected issues may not have surfaced until after service had been completed. Some examples of these ailments include hearing loss (i.e. as a result of working in an engine room), complications from exposure to Agent Orange (diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers), and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, which is especially prevalent in veterans who witnessed combat or death.

There are also benefits for non-service connected health issues. As one gets on in years and general health starts to decline, a veteran or his/her spouse may require assistance in daily living activities such as bathing, dressing, eating, cooking etc. Aid and Assistance (A&A) is available to help pay for these services, regardless if one is living in their own home or at a group living facility.

Veterans often erroneously assume they do not qualify for VA benefits due to the limitations that are placed on both the veteran’s income and assets. There are, however, several courses of action that can be taken to reduce the amount of income and assets. Recurring medical expenses should be deducted from gross income to show a reduced net income. Gifting some cash assets to another person(s) may reduce the value of assets allowing the veteran to qualify for benefits.

VA benefits can make a huge difference in the life of a veteran/spouse. Benefits can allow the veteran/spouse to remain independent longer, or help defray the costs of facility living. Conferring with a Veterans Administration accredited attorney is the best option to help determine if the veteran or his family might be eligible to receive benefits. An accredited VA benefits attorney can help determine if you might qualify or help you to transfer assets needed to qualify.