Before a family commits money to a filer, a helper, or a care start date, one question shapes most of the rest: is there already a claim on file for this veteran? A prior application, an earlier denial still within its review or appeal window, or a pending intent to file can each change what the next step should be. Ask this before you sign anything.[1]

Local option: New Plan Care gives families in the St. Louis area in-home help so a parent can stay home: companionship, help with bathing and dressing, meals, and overnight care. Call (314) 405-0887.

Ask the filer these four questions

  • Is there an existing VA claim, appeal, or intent to file under Dad's file number, and what is its status?
  • Has VA sent a decision letter, a request for more evidence, or a denial, and is the deadline for responding still open?
  • If a claim exists, will the new filing reopen it, add to it, or start over?
  • Who will tell the family what VA has sent, and in what form?

Gather the paper before the call

Look in the drawer for VA letters, the discharge paper, and any earlier correspondence. The VA file number printed on those letters is what a helper needs to look up the record. Ask the helper to name the claim status in writing, not to summarize it from memory. A helper who cannot describe the status in writing before you pay has not yet shown you enough to commit.

Intent to file

VA allows a claimant to file an intent to file, which can hold a place while the full packet is gathered.[2] Ask whether one has already been filed, by whom, and whether it is still active. Before you file a second intent to file or submit a new full packet, confirm that the earlier filing was not overlooked, so that VA is not reviewing two versions of the same request without anyone knowing.

What a free filer will and will not do

Many veterans service organizations and county veterans offices review claim status and help with forms without charging a fee. Accredited attorneys and claims agents may charge, under VA rules.[2] Ask which kind of help you have. Compare the scope in writing: who looks up the claim, who completes the forms, and who receives VA's replies. Local offices and their contact details are listed on Local Help: St. Louis Offices.

Match the forms before you sign

The pension application is VA Form 21P-527EZ. The examination request connected to Aid and Attendance is VA Form 21-2680. An appointment of a representative uses VA Form 21-22. Before you sign a helper's paperwork, match each form number to the official VA version on VA.gov and check its revision label. Form numbers alone do not show which version a filer is using, and versions can change.[3]

If you cannot get a straight answer

Write down each question, the answer, and the name of the person who gave it. If the answer changes on the next call, pause the payment and bring the file to a veterans service officer before anything else is signed.

Sources

[1] VA.gov, pension and Aid and Attendance information pages, for how existing claims, decisions, and appeals are handled.

[2] VA.gov, accreditation information for representatives, claims agents, and attorneys, and guidance on intent to file.

[3] VA.gov, the pages for VA Form 21P-527EZ, VA Form 21-2680, and VA Form 21-22.

Confirm form numbers and versions on VA.gov before signing, and check the source list on Sources for the full reference trail.