Part I of this post discussed the application process for veterans pensions. In this posting, I will be talking some more about the service requirements behind the VA Improved Pension. But before I get to that, you cannot apply for the Pension if you don’t know what forms you need to apply. The following are the two basic applications needed to apply for Veterans benefits:
VA 21-526 Veteran’s Application for Compensation and/or Pension: Use this form if you are a veteran applying for any level of the Improved Pension
VA 21-534 For Application for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation, Death Pension and Accrued Benefits by a Surviving Spouse or Child: Use this form if you are the surviving spouse or child of the veteran and are applying for any level of the Improved Pension.
Depending on your circumstances, these two forms may not be sufficient. For instance if you have depen
dent children, which most of my clients do not have as they are older, there are multiple additional forms that you might need to fill out.
Each of these forms comes with a thorough instruction page which includes important notes and frequently asked questions. I recommend reading the instructions in their entirety before proceeding with filling out the form.
For each level of the VA Improved Pension, that includes Basic, Housebound and Aid & Attendance, there is a common service requirement. The veteran must have served a minimum of 90 consecutive days in the military with at least one of those days being served during the following war times:
World War II: December 7, 1941 through December 31, 1946
Korean War: June 27, 1950 through January 31, 1955
Vietnam War: August 5 1964 through May 7, 1975, ALSO, February 28, 1961 through August 5, 1964 is an eligibility period for those who served in the Republic of Vietnam.
Gulf War: august 2, 1990 through a date not yet determined, but to be set by law of Presidential Proclamation.