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Updated Nov 20, 2024

In This Section

  
This section contains the following topics:
 
Topic
Topic Name
1
2

1.  General Rating Issues

Introduction

  
This topic contains information on general rating issues for survivors, including

Change Date

  
November 20, 2024

XII.i.2.B.1.a.  Claims Indicating a Desire for Increased Benefits Because of Disability or Nursing Home Status

  
Prior to March 24, 2015, consider any communication from a claimant or accredited representative indicating a desire for increased benefits because of disability or nursing home patient status as a claim for aid and attendance (A&A) or housebound benefits.
 
After March 24, 2015, applications for A&A or housebound benefits must be received on a prescribed form.
 
Reference:  For more information on special monthly pension, see M21-1, Part IX, Subpart ii, 1.A.1.g.

XII.i.2.B.1.b.  Evidence on Which to Base A&A and Housebound Determinations

  
Determination of a claimant’s need for A&A or housebound benefits is based on medical evidence.
 
Notes:
 
References:  For more information on

XII.i.2.B.1.c.  When a Rating Decision Is Required

  
A rating decision is required to determine a surviving spouse’s entitlement to either the
  • A&A rate, when the surviving spouse is not a patient in a nursing home, or
  • housebound rate.

XII.i.2.B.1.d.  Adjusting A&A and Housebound Benefits Following Discharge From a Nursing Home

  
If a claimant is discharged from a nursing home, adjust the A&A and housebound benefits in accordance with the procedures for disability cases outlined in M21-1, Part IX, Subpart ii, 1.B.3 and 4.

2.  A&A and Housebound Benefits

Introduction
  
This topic contains information on A&A and housebound benefits for survivors, including
Change Date
   March 10, 2016

XII.i.2.B.2.a.  Who May Qualify for A&A Benefits Under 38 CFR 3.351

  
A&A benefits under 38 CFR 3.351 may be paid to surviving spouses and parents who are receiving or entitled to receive
  • Survivors Pension, including protected pension and Old-Law Pension
  • Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), or
  • Death Compensation.

XII.i.2.B.2.b.  Who May Qualify for Housebound Benefits Under 38 CFR 3.351(e) and (f)

  
Only surviving spouses who are receiving or entitled to receive DIC or Survivors Pension may qualify for the housebound rate under 38 CFR 3.351(e) and (f).

XII.i.2.B.2.c.  Authorizing A&A Without a Rating Decision

  
Authorize the payment of A&A benefits without a rating decision if
  • evidence establishes the claimant is a patient in a nursing home, or
  • the surviving spouse was in receipt of A&A benefits on the Veteran’s award prior to the Veteran’s death.
If a period of hospitalization of 90 days or less results in a discharge to a nursing home, authorize payment of A&A benefits from the date of hospital admission, subject to the effective date provisions in 38 CFR 3.402(c) or 38 CFR 3.404.
 
Important:  Housebound benefits may not be authorized without a rating decision except when the surviving spouse was receiving housebound benefits on the Veteran’s award prior to the Veteran’s death.
 
Reference:  For more information on when to refer a claim to the rating activity for pension claims, see M21-1, Part IX, Subpart i, 2.5.a.