Older Veterans: VA Benefits, FAQs, and Tips

CCK Law: Our Vital Role in Veterans Law

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers a variety of benefits and programs geared toward meeting the needs of veterans aged 65 and older, including compensation, home health care options, and community-based care. Older and elderly veterans may also encounter a number of legal, health, and logistical issues that other veterans do not, which can increase or interfere with VA ratings.

In this article, you will learn about some of the most prominent benefits for older veterans and their families, as well as tips for filing claims, gaining service connection, and fighting denials or unnecessary proposals to reduce benefits.

Key points of this article include:

• VA offers several financial benefits for older veterans who qualify, including a pension and Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) options for veterans with intense medical needs.
• For older veterans living at home, VA offers several prominent health care benefits, including services to have medical professionals visit the veteran’s home for check-ups or other assistance.
• There is no time limit on veterans filing an original disability claim. Veterans who left service decades ago can still successfully pursue disability compensation, even if they never pursued it before.

What Special Financial Benefits Are Available to Older Veterans?

Older veterans may be more likely to qualify for the Non-Service-Connected VA Disability Pension and Special Monthly Compensation benefits like Housebound status or Aid & Attendance.

VA Non-Service-Connected Disability Pension

VA offers eligible wartime veterans a Non-Service-Connected Disability Pension. This pension provides older veterans with monthly payments at rates based on the difference between the veteran’s countable income and the Maximum Annual Pension Rate (MAPR) set by Congress.

To qualify for Non-Service-Connected Disability Pension, veterans must meet certain military service requirements, plus meet one of the following criteria:

• Be 65 or older; or
• Have a permanent and total disability; or
• Be a patient in a nursing home for long-term care because of a disability; or
• Be receiving Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income

Veterans also must have limited income and net worth to be eligible for this pension. For 2026, the net worth limit to be eligible for this pension is $163,699, while the 2026 MAPR amount for a single veteran with no dependents is $17,441.

Veterans should note that this MAPR amount will change based on how many dependents a veteran has, and whether they qualify for benefits like Aid and Attendance or Housebound SMC.

Pension Aid and Attendance Compensation
Veterans Pension can be increased if a veteran is housebound or requires “aid and attendance” (care from another person in order to carry out activities of daily living).

Alyse Phillips, supervising attorney at CCK Law, says, “Aid and attendance, or A&A, when an increased monthly pension amount, is paid to veterans who:

1. Require help performing daily functions;
2. Are bedridden;
3. Are a patient in a nursing home; or
4. Have limited vision in both eyes (i.e., vision of 5/200 even with glasses, or concentric contraction of the visual fields to 5 degrees or less).”

Special Monthly Compensation: Housebound or Aid & Attendance

Veterans with multiple severe disabilities, are housebound, and/or require aid with activities of daily living due to a service-connected disability may be eligible for Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) under 38 USC § 1114 and 38 CFR § 3.350. SMC for housebound or A&A-dependent veterans replaces and pays more than regular VA disability compensation.

• SMC(l) — VA Special Monthly Compensation level L, or SMC(l), is primarily awarded to those who are permanently bedridden, legally blind, have lost multiple limbs, or require regular aid and attendance (i.e., help with activities of daily living). This financial support helps offset the heavy costs associated with necessary personal care and caregiving services.
• SMC(r)(1) — Veterans who qualify for VA’s maximum compensation level (SMC(o)) and require assistance from another person to carry out daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating may qualify. In 2026, the SMC(r1) rate for a single veteran with no dependents is $9,826.88 per month.
• SMC(r)(2) — Veterans who meet the criteria for SMC(r1) and need regular aid and attendance performed by or under the direct supervision of a medical professional in their home may qualify. These veterans would otherwise require hospitalization or institutional care. In 2026, the SMC(r2) rate for a single veteran with no dependents is $11,271.67 per month.
• SMC(s) — Veterans receiving disability compensation who have a single permanent service-connected disability rated at 100 percent (or TDIU) and who are permanently and substantially housebound may qualify for SMC(s). Veterans may also qualify if they have a single permanent disability rated at 100 percent and additional service-connected disabilities independently ratable at 60 percent or more. In 2026, the SMC(s) rate for a single veteran with no dependents is $4,408.53 per month.

Veterans seeking either Housebound or A&A through SMC should submit VA Form 21-2680. Submission of this form can be initiated by the veteran or a caretaker, but a qualified medical professional must complete and sign it. This form can typically be submitted online through VA.gov or by mail to the state’s Pension Management Center (PMC). [/cck-outline-box]

What Home Health Care Benefits Are Available for Older Veterans?

Through its Geriatrics and Extended Care Program, VA offers several health care benefits for older veterans who need medical services performed in their home. These include Skilled Home Health Care, Home-Based Primary Care, telehealth appointments, and more.

Skilled Home Health Care

Skilled Home Health Care provides short-term health care services to veterans who are housebound or live far from a VA medical center. VA enters into agreements with community-based home health agencies to provide these services.

Skilled Home Health Care is part of the Veterans Health Administration’s Standard Medical Benefits package and is available to all enrolled veterans who meet the clinical need.

Services offered include:

• Nursing care, such as for wounds or a catheter
• Physical, occupational, or speech therapy
• Health education, such as medication management
• A home safety evaluation
• Social work services

Homemaker and Home Health Aide Care

A Home Health Aide or Homemaker is a trained individual who travels to a veteran’s home to assist them with daily activities and self-care. These professionals are not nurses and therefore do not provide the level of medical care that a Skilled Home Health Care professional can.

This program can be used as an alternative to nursing home care and may offer respite care for veterans and their caregivers. These professionals can assist veterans in:

• Eating
• Bathing
• Getting dressed
• Using the restroom
• Cooking
• Food shopping
• Doing laundry
• Taking medication
• And more

This program is also part of VHA’s Standard Medical Benefits package, meaning all enrolled veterans who meet the program’s clinical criteria are eligible.

Home-Based Primary Care

The Home-Based Primary Care Program allows veterans to be seen by a medical professional, such as a physician, nurse practitioner, or nurse, in their own home.

This program is intended for veterans who have complex health care needs, and for whom “routine clinic-based care is not effective.” Through this program, veterans are able to:

• Receive primary care visits from a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician’s assistant at home
• Have their care managed by a nurse practitioner, physician’s assistant, or nurse at home
• Have their services coordinated by a social worker
• Receive occupational, physical, or speech therapy
• Obtain mental health services
• Get nutrition counseling from a dietitian
• Get help managing medications

VHA’s Standard Medical Benefits package allows all enrolled veterans who meet clinical criteria to access Home-Based Primary Care services.

Telehealth

Using the Home Telehealth service, a veteran’s medical condition can be monitored by their physician or nurse remotely using home monitoring equipment.

All veterans enrolled in VA health care who meet the clinical need for telehealth services are eligible for the program. Using telehealth, medical professionals can track a veteran’s:

• Pulse
• Blood pressure
• Blood sugar level
• Weight
• Blood oxygen level
• Heart and lung sounds

What Community-Based Services Are Available to Older Veterans?

VA’s Geriatrics and Extended Care Program also offers long-term care benefits and programs for older veterans seeking community-based medical or support services, including access to Adult Day Health Care, Medical Foster Homes, hospice care, and more.

Adult Day Health Care

The Adult Day Health Care program gives older veterans a place to go during the day for social and recreational activities, to receive peer support and companionship while also assisting with activities of daily living.

This program can especially benefit veterans who are isolated or whose caregivers are “experiencing burden,” offering respite care for family caregivers. Health services from nurses, social workers, or therapists may be available to veterans in this program as well.

Veterans can attend full or half-day sessions for up to five days per week based on availability. This program is part of the Veterans Health Administration’s Standard Medical Benefits package and is available to enrolled veterans at no cost if they meet clinical criteria.

Hospice Care

Veterans suffering from a terminal condition and no longer seeking treatment other than palliative care may be eligible for hospice care services from VA. Hospice care seeks to relieve suffering and help control symptoms near the end of a person’s life. Bereavement support is also available to the families of veterans.

Usually, VA’s hospice program is reserved for veterans with less than six months to live and can be offered at home, in an outpatient clinic, or in an inpatient setting. All veterans enrolled in VA health care are eligible for hospice care if they meet the clinical need.

Community Living Centers

Community Living Centers, previously referred to as VA Nursing Homes, provide veterans with a nursing home level of care while trying to resemble “home” as much as possible.

Veterans living in these facilities can decorate their rooms, bring pets with them, visit family and friends, and participate in group activities. Veterans who meet the clinical need of this program and are enrolled in VA health care may be eligible.

VA Community Living Centers assist veterans with activities of daily living, such as bathing and dressing, and also provide:

• 24-hour skilled nursing care
• Restorative care
• Social work services
• Geriatric evaluation and management

Other care that may be offered by these centers includes:

• Mental health recovery
• Specialty dementia care
• Respite care
• Palliative care and hospice care

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Residential Rehabilitation

For certain veterans suffering from traumatic brain injury (TBI), VA may pay for these veterans to attend residential rehabilitation facilities where their condition can be treated.

To qualify for TBI Residential Rehabilitation, veterans must need neurobehavioral treatment in a protective environment, with care needs that go beyond those found in a nursing home or through outpatient care. They must also be enrolled in VA health care and qualify for VA’s Community Care Program.

Services provided in these facilities include:

• Physical, occupational, and speech therapy
• Behavior management therapy
• Nursing services
• Health aide services
• And more

Eligible veterans should note that, while VA may pay for the bulk of their treatment at these facilities, it is restricted from paying the full cost. This means veterans will have to pay for daily room and board, which can cost around $30 or $40 a day.

Additionally, TBI-RR facilities are not spread uniformly across the country, so veterans may have to relocate to receive these services.

Want to learn more about VA benefits for older veterans? Check out this video where CCK Law Supervising Attorney Alyse Phillips covers the essentials:

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Adult Family Homes

Veterans can rent a room in a private residence using the Adult Family Homes program. Usually, these homes house six or fewer residents who may need assistance carrying out activities of daily living or nursing care.

VA does not cover the costs of Adult Family Homes, as they are private residences. The following services are included as part of the veteran’s rent:

• Help with activities of daily living such as bathing and getting dressed
• Medication adherence assistance
• Nursing assistance
• Meal preparation
• Planned social and recreational activities

If the veteran requires additional medical care, VA may cover the cost of nurse visits.

Medical Foster Homes

A Medical Foster Home is a private residence in which a trained caregiver provides services to a small number of residents. Medical Foster Homes are for veterans who require nursing home care but would prefer a non-institutional setting.

These homes have a caregiver on duty at all times to provide veterans with:

• Assistance performing activities of daily living, such as bathing and getting dressed
• Help taking medication
• Nursing assistance if the caregiver is a registered nurse
• Prepared meals
• Planned social and recreational activities

Medical Foster Homes are not provided by or paid for by the Department of Veterans Affairs, as they are private residences. Veterans are responsible for expenses associated with Medical Foster Home care, which can range from about $1,500 to $3,000 per month depending on income or the level of care needed.

Generally, veterans and their Medical Foster Home caregiver agree on a cost ahead of moving in. Veterans will receive home-based primary care while living in a Medical Foster Home.

Community Residential Care

Veterans who are unable to live alone due to medical or psychiatric conditions and do not have family available to provide the necessary care may qualify for the Community Residential Care program.

VA does not cover the expenses of Community Residential Care; veterans pay rent using their disability compensation, pension, retirement, or Social Security. There are approximately 1,300 VA-inspected Community Residential Care facilities across the country. These facilities include:

• Assisted Living Facilities
• Personal Care Homes
• Family Care Homes
• Group Living Homes
• Psychiatric Community Residential Care Homes

Veterans can receive assistance performing the activities of daily living such as preparing meals, getting dressed, and bathing while living in a Community Residential Care facility. Psychiatric care, primary care, medication supervision, and self-care supervision may also be available.

Assisted Living Facilities

When a veteran’s needs can no longer be met by home- and community-based services, Assisted Living Facilities can provide the care they need while living in a rented room or apartment.

Trained caregivers on location can provide veterans with 24/7 support, assist them with activities of daily living, arrange for additional health care when needed, assist in meal preparation, aid in medication adherence, and plan social and recreational events.

VA does not cover rent for veterans living in Assisted Living Facilities. However, they may pay for some of the extra medical services a veteran could require at one of these facilities.

State Veterans Homes

Nursing home, domiciliary, and adult day care services are offered at State Veterans Homes. These homes are managed by state governments who determine eligibility requirements. The eligibility requirements and cost to the veteran can vary per state. State Veterans Nursing Homes are located in all 50 states and Puerto Rico.

How Can I Build a Strong Disability Claim or Protect My Rating as an Older Veteran?

There are multiple tips and strategies older veterans should consider when applying for VA benefits, including preparing for Compensation and Pension (C&P) exams and considering presumptive service connection.

Consider Presumptive Service Connection

Presumptive disabilities are those that VA automatically assumes are connected to a veteran’s service, depending on the exact time and location the veteran served.

Typically, presumptions come about when large numbers of veterans are exposed to toxins or other environmental hazards during their service. Because so many of these exposed veterans go on to develop specific conditions, VA uses presumptions to simplify the claims process and allow veterans with these conditions to more easily establish service connection.

Some examples of toxic exposure that can lead to presumptive conditions include:

• Agent Orange exposure can allow veterans to earn presumptions for ischemic heart disease, Parkinson’s disease, type 2 diabetes, and more.
• Exposure to tainted groundwater at Camp Lejeune can lead to presumptions for various cancers, including bladder cancer and kidney cancer.
• Exposure to toxins during the Gulf War can lead to presumptions for certain undiagnosed illnesses, infectious diseases, and medically unexplained chronic multi-system illnesses (MUCMIs).
• Radiation exposure can also lead to presumptions for certain cancers, including lung cancer, bone cancer, and more.

“Presumptions are especially relevant for older veterans because many of these illnesses take decades to appear,” says Robert Chisholm, founding partner at CCK Law. “They worsen naturally with age or they were not well understood when you first left the service. So, if you’re an older veteran who has been suffering from a service-related disability that is worsening over time, it might be easier to get you compensation than you realize.”

Watch CCK Law Founding Partner Robert Chisholm break down VA presumptions for older veterans:

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Prepare for Your Compensation and Pension (C&P) Exam

C&P exams are often an essential part of the disability claims process. Some tips and advice older veterans can use when preparing for these exams include:

• Take flare-ups into account – Flare-ups are intermittent episodes of pain, weakness, fatigue, limited motion, and more. VA must take flare-ups into account during C&P exams, so veterans should be ready to describe what their flare-ups look like, how often they occur, how long they last, and other details. Keeping a journal of symptoms is a great idea for this purpose.
• Know that age is not a legal basis for denial – If an examiner seems to write off a veteran’s symptoms as just normal aging or decline without specifically analyzing their service-connected condition, that exam may not be legally adequate. A disability must be evaluated based on the medical evidence and the rating criteria, not on assumptions about getting older.
• Remember the 55-year rule – Veterans who are 55 or older with a stable service-connected disability are usually not called back in for routine reexaminations, per 38 CFR § 3.327(b). If VA does send a reexamination notice, it may be worth asking whether the unusual circumstances exception really applies to the veteran’s claim.
• Consider challenging inadequate exams – VA must ensure that C&P exams are adequate for adjudication purposes. For example, examiners are typically required to review a veteran’s records, address their reported symptoms and history, and give a clear, reasoned opinion. If they do not do this, the exam can potentially be challenged on appeal and a new one ordered.

Know That It Is Not Too Late To File for Benefits

It is important for older veterans to remember that, when it comes to VA disability compensation, there is legally speaking no deadline or time limit on filing an original disability claim.

This has several implications for older veterans who may have waited years or even decades before deciding to file a claim:

• The age of a piece of evidence often does not matter – As long as a veteran’s evidence is valid and proves what it needs to prove, it typically does not matter how old the evidence is. Older service records remain valid regardless of their age and can be important to proving service connection.
• Veterans do not need to have been diagnosed during service – Many veterans are not diagnosed with a disability until after leaving service. This should not matter as long as a veteran can show that a service-related event of some kind contributed to their later diagnosis.
• Regulations are always changing, and presumptions can expand – VA regulations evolve constantly as policies shift and new disabilities are declared presumptive. This means claims that might have been denied years or decades ago may now have a better chance of being granted.
• Many conditions get worse with age – Some conditions may start off minor, but progressively get worse as veterans age. This is important for older veterans to realize, because often, the more severely a condition affects a veteran’s function, the higher their disability rating and compensation could become.

CCK Law Partner Michael Lostritto and colleagues explain why it is not too late for older veterans to file an initial disability claim:

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Having Trouble Obtaining or Protecting VA Benefits as an Older or Elderly Veteran? Contact CCK Law

Frequently Asked Questions

What benefits are available for older veterans?

VA offers several benefits to older veterans without service-connected conditions. These may include:

• VA pension
• Access to home-based health care
• Access to community-based health care and support services

Veterans should note that their eligibility for these benefits may vary based on factors like whether they are enrolled in VA health care.

What benefits are available to older veterans with service-connected disabilities?

Older veterans who have service-connected disabilities may qualify for a number of other benefits, including:

• Monthly disability compensation

• Special Monthly Compensation (e.g., for veterans who are housebound or who require regular aid and attendance)

• VA health care
• Education and training programs
• Home loans
• Insurance benefits
• Burial benefits
• And more

Will VA pay for nursing home care?

Yes, VA may cover nursing home care in certain circumstances, particularly for eligible veterans with high service-connected ratings or clinical need, but coverage varies significantly.

The general eligibility requirements for these services include:

• Being enrolled in VA health care;
• VA determining that the veteran needs specific medical services for their treatment; and
• The service is available near the veteran and has room to accommodate them.

How much of a nursing home’s cost VA pays for will vary depending on the facility, however. For instance, VA may pay for a veteran to attend a VA Community Living Center, but not a privately run Medical Foster Home.

Veterans should research the specific services they are interested in to determine whether VA will pay for them.