How to Apply for VA Aid and Attendance (A&A) with a Mental Health Rating
CCK Law: Our Vital Role in Veterans Law
Veterans with service-connected mental health disabilities are eligible for Aid and Attendance (A&A) benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) if their mental health conditions prevent them from performing the activities of daily living (ADLs), like eating, bathing, or staying current with medications.
Key points of this article include:
- In cases where a veteran needs regular assistance from a caregiver due to a mental condition, it is possible to earn additional compensation through A&A benefits. However, the veteran will have to prove that their mental condition necessitates the regular assistance of a caregiver.
- There are several serious mental symptoms that indicate to VA the necessity of A&A for a veteran. These include symptoms like memory loss, suicidal ideation, or loss of motivation or energy.
- A&A is a form of Special Monthly Compensation (SMC). Aid and attendance is most commonly paid at SMC-L, with higher levels such as SMC-R(1), SMC-R(2), and SMC-T available for more severe or TBI-related cases. As of 2026, the monthly compensation for these SMC levels ranges from $4,900.83 for SMC-L to $11,271.67 for SMC-R-2.
Can I Earn VA Aid and Attendance for Mental Health Conditions?
Yes, it is possible to earn VA A&A compensation purely for a mental health condition or conditions. Having a physical disability is not a requirement to earn A&A compensation under 38 CFR § 3.352(a), the regulatory standard for A&A.
“Some veterans are only service connected for a mental health condition, and that’s fine for the purposes of A&A,” says Maura Black, Partner at CCK Law. “In this case, the veteran may be able to qualify for SMC A&A if they have psychiatric impairment that prevents their ability to care for themselves.”
In other words, to earn A&A, a veteran will have to prove to VA that their mental illness or condition leaves them with the need for regular assistance to perform the actions of daily living (ADLs), like cleaning themselves or dressing. Veterans may also qualify if they need regular supervision for their safety, rather than actual physical aid.
What Mental Health Conditions Could Qualify Me for Aid and Attendance?
There are several mental health conditions that could interfere with a veteran’s ability to care for themselves and, therefore, qualify them for A&A benefits. Some of these conditions include:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Bipolar disorder
- Depression
- Schizophrenia
- Anxiety
Conditions like these can potentially cause one or more of the following symptoms to manifest, each of which could leave a veteran unable to safely care for themselves on a daily basis:
- Memory loss – Veterans with frequent memory loss can sometimes forget to take prescribed medications or even leave dangerous appliances switched on for extended periods of time, potentially endangering their safety.
- Loss of energy or motivation – Some veterans can become extremely depressed or withdrawn from a mental condition to the point they lose all energy and motivation to perform functions like grooming or eating.
- Suicidal or homicidal ideation – Certain veterans may suffer from suicidal or even homicidal ideation due to their mental illness, and need regular assistance from others to ensure their safety.
Additionally, if a veteran’s service-connected mental condition is severe enough to require institutionalization or nursing home care, the veteran will often be automatically eligible for A&A compensation.
Want to learn more about the qualifications to earn VA aid and attendance for mental health? Watch CCK Law Partner Maura Black dive into the specifics of A&A for mental conditions:
What Evidence Can I Submit to Earn VA Aid and Attendance for Mental Health?
Veterans seeking A&A compensation from VA will first need to prove to VA that they need regular assistance from others to carry out the basic daily tasks of living or to ensure their own safety.
Some forms of evidence that can support this claim include:
- Lay statements – Lay statements from a veteran or their friends and family can serve as a valuable piece of evidence for A&A claims. These statements should focus on the veteran’s daily limitations and how they need regular assistance to function.
- Caregiver testimony – If a veteran is already receiving assistance from a caregiver, then that caregiver’s perspective can be valuable if submitted to VA. These caregivers should describe the help they provide the veteran, as well as how often they provide it and what their overall assistance entails.
- Medical evidence – While medical evidence can sometimes be tricky to acquire for mental health A&A claims, it is certainly possible to do so. If a veteran’s doctor has noted problems with the veteran’s memory, motivation, or other such areas, those notes could serve as important evidence to submit to VA.
In addition to these types of evidence, veterans should also consider having their doctor fill out VA Form 21-2680 for submission to VA. While this form primarily serves as the means for a veteran to apply for A&A benefits, it can also be used to convey essential information to VA about the veteran’s ability to care for themselves.
However, veterans should be sure to inform their doctors to only consider service-connected conditions when filling out VA Form 21-2680. Conditions tied to a veteran’s service are the only ones VA will consider for disability compensation.
How Much VA Aid and Attendance Pay Can I Receive for Mental Health?
As of 2026, aid and attendance payment rates range from $4,900.83 to $11,271.67 for a single veteran with no dependents. These rates vary based on the Special Monthly Compensation level a veteran is assigned for their A&A compensation.
There are several types of A&A compensation based on the recipient’s condition and identity:
- SMC-L – SMC-L pays veterans at a rate of $4,900.83 per month. This is the lowest level of A&A compensation a veteran can earn, with veterans having to first prove to VA that their service-connected disabilities greatly hinder their ability to perform ADLs.
- SMC-R-1 – SMC-R-1 pays veterans a rate of $9,826.88 per month. This is the next highest level of A&A compensation. To earn it, veterans typically must establish that they need continuous, around-the-clock assistance from a caregiver, though that caregiver does not need to be a medical professional.
- SMC-R-2 – SMC-R-2 pays veterans at a rate of $11,271.67 per month. This is the highest level of A&A compensation. To earn it, veterans must meet all the requirements for SMC-R-1, while additionally demonstrating that their caregiver needs to be a licensed medical professional, such as a registered nurse.
- SMC-T – SMC-T pays veterans at a rate of $11,271.67 per month, the same as SMC-R-2. This level of SMC is designed for veterans who are experiencing severe impairment due to Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). To earn SMC-T, veterans must meet all the criteria for SMC-R-1, but specifically due to impairments caused by a service-connected TBI.
- Spousal A&A – Spousal A&A is different from the other payment rates above. This is an additional level of compensation eligible veterans can apply for if their spouse needs aid and attendance, either due to a mental condition or otherwise. Spousal A&A pays veterans rates ranging from $60.07 to $204.41 each month on top of the compensation they already receive.
Veterans should note that these payment rates are only for single veterans with no dependents. If a veteran has (e.g., a spouse or child), they will usually receive a greater amount each month than the rates given above. These rates also increase yearly to keep up with annual federal cost-of-living adjustments (COLA).
Looking for a deeper dive into each level of aid and attendance? Watch CCK Law’s Maura Black and Claire Babcock discuss the most important points:
Are There Any Risks to Pursuing VA Aid and Attendance for Mental Health?
Yes, one risk veterans sometimes face when pursuing A&A for mental health is the possibility of VA raising a proposal of incompetency. Being declared incompetent indicates that a veteran is incapable of handling their own finances and VA benefits.
“Veterans who assert that they have trouble paying their bills or managing finances should be aware that VA could use that information to trigger a proposal of incompetency,” says Maura Black. “If you are seeking SMC and have indicated trouble with maintaining finances, you might want to be prepared just in case VA interprets it that way.”
In cases where veterans are declared incompetent, they will need a fiduciary to oversee the handling of their VA compensation. This fiduciary can either be a family member or friend requested by the veteran, or someone individually appointed by VA.
If a veteran receives a proposal of incompetency notification from VA, they do have several options for arguing against the proposal, including submitting evidence of responsible financial management or requesting a hearing with VA. Note that veterans have only 60 days to submit relevant evidence after receiving notification of the proposal.
Was Your Aid and Attendance Claim for Mental Health Denied? Contact CCK Law
If VA denied your aid and attendance claim for mental health, the dedicated representatives at Chisholm Chisholm & Kilpatrick may be able to assist. Our VA-accredited attorneys have secured favorable outcomes for 99 percent of our past clients before VA, helping recover over $1 billion in wrongfully denied compensation.
Call CCK Law at 800-544-9144 or contact us online for a free case evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does VA pay monthly for aid and attendance?
For the 2026 fiscal year, VA will pay aid and attendance (A&A) rates ranging from $4,900.83 to $11,271.67 for a single veteran with no dependents. These rates are based on the specific level of A&A Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) the veteran is receiving.
The SMC rates a veteran can receive for A&A are as follows:
- SMC-L – SMC-L is the lowest level of A&A compensation a veteran can receive and pays a baseline of $4,900.83 per month.
- SMC-R-1 – SMC-R-1 is the second lowest level of A&A compensation a veteran can receive, and pays a baseline of $9,826.88 per month.
- SMC-R-2 – SMC-R-2 is the highest level of A&A compensation a veteran can receive and pays a baseline of $11,271.67 per month.
- SMC-T – SMC-T is reserved for veterans whose impairments are caused by a service-connected Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). This level of SMC pays the same amount as SMC-R-2, with a baseline of $11,271.67 per month.
Veterans should note that these rates will generally increase if the veteran has eligible dependents on file with VA.
How long does it take to get aid and attendance benefits?
VA processing times for aid and attendance claims can vary drastically based on claim complexity, VA’s backlog, and other factors. However, veterans should prepare to wait at least 8-12 months before receiving a decision from VA. Delays or problems with the application can lead to this process being extended out for several additional months.
Some strategies veterans can use to potentially speed up this processing time include:
- Filing a Fully Developed Claim (FDC)
- Filing and submitting as early as possible
- Researching the disability claims process to ensure one’s A&A claim is as complete as it can be
Can I receive spousal aid and attendance for mental illness?
Yes, eligible disabled veterans whose spouses are suffering from conditions (including mental illness) that necessitate regular aid and attendance can receive additional payments from VA. These payments are referred to as Spousal A&A and are intended to provide veterans with extra compensation to help them meet the specific needs of their spouse.
As of 2026, this Spousal A&A compensation paid out per month amounts to:
- $60.07 if the veteran is rated at 30 percent disabled
- $80.08 if the veteran is rated at 40 percent disabled
- $100.11 if the veteran is rated at 50 percent disabled
- $120.12 if the veteran is rated at 60 percent disabled
- $141.20 if the veteran is rated at 70 percent disabled
- $161.22 if the veteran is rated at 80 percent disabled
- $181.24 if the veteran is rated at 90 percent disabled
- $204.41 if the veteran is rated at 100 percent disabled
To be considered for Spousal A&A, a veteran needs to have a combined disability rating of 30 percent or higher. They must also submit relevant evidence to VA about their spouse’s condition.
