A NOTE ABOUT CAREGIVER AGREEMENTS

We have updated the Personal Caregiver Agreement and posted it to the Members section of the website. When using a caregiver agreement as a medical expense, do not send in the agreement with the application, only the Attendant Affidavit.  The Attendant Affidavit should reflect what the doctor has stated on the Doctor’s form 21-2680. DO NOT mark ALL the boxes on the Attendant Affidavit as this can be a red flag for the VA. The Attendant Affidavit satisfies the VA requirement for proof of third party assistance.  Sending in the caregiver agreement can raise a red flag and usually ends with additional questions from the VA which can delay the process.

HAS THE CARE SITUATION CHANGED FOR THE VETERAN OR SPOUSE?

Any time the care situation changes, i.e., the veteran/spouse moves from a caregiver agreement to assisted living or from assisted living to a caregiver agreement, the VA must be notified.  We recommend the following procedure:

1. Use a 21-4138 form to inform the VA of the change.  Be sure to include the file number as well as the change to be made, i.e., name of the new facility with address and telephone number.
2. If the representative is notifying the VA of the change, include a copy of the form 21-22a from the original application.
3. Include a revised page 7 of form 21-527EZ (for a veteran) or revised page 9 of form 21-534EZ (for a surviving spouse) and include all financials.
4. Include a revised Form 21P-2680 Medical Expense form and include all updated medical expenses.
5. Include a Verification of Expenses form from the Facility or an Attendant Affidavit.
6. Send to the appropriate VA Pension Center via FedEx or UPS to obtain proof of delivery.