Most guides list every form a pension file might need, which is confusing for a veteran who lives alone in his own house with no spouse and no dependents. This briefing sorts the packet by household, so the family can see which numbers apply to Dad and which can be left off the list.[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.

The forms that usually apply

  • VA Form 21P-527EZ, the application for pension. This is the base form for the pension path.[1]
  • VA Form 21-2680, the medical examination form that a doctor completes to certify the need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status.[1]
  • VA Form 21-22 or 21-22a, only if a veterans service organization or an accredited individual will represent him. The form names the representative and is signed by the veteran.[3]
  • VA Form 21-4138, a plain statement in support of the claim, which can describe in concrete terms the daily help he needs and who gives it.[1]

The forms a single veteran at home usually skips

VA Form 21-0779 covers nursing home information and applies only when the veteran lives in a nursing home. VA Form 21-686c, the declaration of dependents, applies only when there is a spouse or dependent children to declare. If Dad has neither, do not invent a household to fill those lines. Check that the form does not ask for information about people who do not exist in his file.[1]

What to check before anything is sent

  • Confirm the full legal name, date of birth, and Social Security number match across every form and every attachment.
  • Confirm the address on each form is the address where Dad actually lives, and matches the address on his VA mail.
  • Where a form asks about a spouse or dependents, mark the answer that matches his situation rather than leaving the line blank, so VA does not have to ask.
  • Confirm the medical form is completed by his treating doctor, and that the signed copy in your hands is the one you will submit.
  • Check the form edition printed on each page against the current version on VA.gov, because form editions change over time.[1]

Where a family member fits in

A son or daughter who helps with the packet can prepare the forms, gather the statement, and carry the copies. The veteran signs the claim and the representative authorization. A family member's statement on Form 21-4138 should describe what the family has seen, with specific tasks, and should not guess at diagnoses.

For help signing or copying in person, the St. Louis offices page lists where to go. The How We Write This Briefing page explains how each claim in this series is sourced.

Sources

[1] VA.gov, pension and aid and attendance claim forms and instructions.

[3] VA.gov, representation and accreditation instructions for veterans service organizations and individual representatives.