VA Aid and Attendance Application Checklist
This checklist is for general guidance only. Every situation is unique, so it’s always best to confirm details with the VA or an accredited VA representative.
Step 1: Confirm Basic Eligibility
Before you spend time gathering paperwork, it helps to see whether your loved one may qualify.
– Confirm the veteran’s military service
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At least 90 days of active duty (or as required by current VA rules)
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At least one day of service during a wartime period
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Discharge status other than dishonorable
= Identify the applicant type
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□ Veteran
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□ Surviving spouse of a veteran
* Review basic medical need
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Needs help with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring, eating, or mobility
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OR has significant vision impairment, is largely housebound, or needs supervision due to dementia or memory loss
– Consider financial need
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Income and assets are within VA guidelines (a VA-accredited representative or elder law attorney can help review this)
□ Write down questions you have about eligibility to ask the VA or an accredited representative.
Step 2: Gather Personal & Service Information
Having information ready before you start the application can save time.
□ Veteran’s full name: _______________________________
□ Date of birth: _______________________________
□ Social Security number: _______________________________
– Veteran’s service dates (start and end): _______________________________
– Branch of service: _______________________________
= Surviving spouse’s full name (if applicable): _______________________________
= Date of marriage: _______________________________
= Date of veteran’s death (if applicable): _______________________________
* Current address and phone number
* Email address, if available
Step 3: Collect Required Documents
Next, begin gathering the documentation the VA will likely require.
Service & Identity Documents
□ DD-214 or equivalent discharge papers (or request a copy if you don’t have it)
□ Marriage certificate (for surviving spouses or married veterans)
□ Death certificate (if applying as a surviving spouse)
□ Social Security cards or identifying information
Financial Documents
□ Most recent bank statements
□ Statements for retirement accounts, annuities, or investments
□ Proof of monthly income, such as:
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Social Security
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Pension
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Other retirement income
□ Records of medical expenses and care costs, including:
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Home care invoices
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Assisted living or facility bills
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Medical insurance premiums
Medical / Care Information
□ Doctor’s notes or diagnoses related to:
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Memory loss or dementia
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Mobility issues
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Chronic illnesses or disabilities
□ List of current medications
□ List of daily care needs and safety concerns
Step 4: Document Current Care Needs
The VA will want to understand why Aid and Attendance is needed.
– Make a list of Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) where help is required:
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Bathing
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Dressing
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Toileting
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Transferring (bed, chair)
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Eating
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Walking / mobility
– Describe any instrumental activities where help is needed (optional but helpful):
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Preparing meals
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Managing medications
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Housekeeping
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Transportation
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Managing finances
– Note safety concerns, such as:
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Recent falls
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Wandering
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Confusion or getting lost
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Nighttime agitation
□ Ask your doctor or care provider to prepare a statement about the need for regular assistance or supervision.
Step 5: Connect with the Right Help
Because VA rules can be detailed and change over time, working with a knowledgeable professional can make things easier.
□ Find and contact one of the following:
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A VA-accredited claims agent or attorney
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A Veterans Service Officer (VSO) from organizations like the American Legion, VFW, DAV, etc.
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A local Tennessee Department of Veterans Services office
□ Schedule an appointment (phone, video, or in-person)
□ Bring or send copies of your gathered documents to review
□ Ask them to confirm:
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Which specific benefit is right for you (Aid and Attendance, Housebound, etc.)
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Which forms need to be completed
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Where and how to submit the application
Tip: Assisting Hands Home Care of Chattanooga can help you find local VA-connected resources and prepare a clear list of care needs to share with your representative.
Step 6: Complete VA Forms
With your documents organized and guidance in place, you’re ready to tackle the paperwork.
□ Obtain the correct VA forms (your VSO or accredited representative can provide these and help fill them out)
□ Carefully complete the application form with personal and financial information
□ Ensure the medical/care need section is clearly explained, including support with ADLs and safety concerns
□ Attach supporting documents as requested (service records, financial proof, medical statements, care invoices if applicable)
□ Make copies of every page you submit, including forms and attachments
□ Keep everything together in a folder or binder labeled “VA Aid and Attendance”.
Step 7: Submit the Application
Once the forms are complete and reviewed, it’s time to send them in.
□ Confirm how the application should be submitted:
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By mail
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In person
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Electronically (if offered through a representative)
* Write down:
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Date the application was submitted: _________________________
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Where it was sent / who submitted it: _________________________
– Keep any confirmation numbers or receipts provided by the VA or your representative.
Step 8: Track Progress and Follow Up
VA processing can take time, so it helps to stay organized and proactive.
= Start a simple call log for VA communication:
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Date, time, person you spoke with, and summary of the call
= Follow up periodically to check status, especially if you haven’t heard back in the time frame given
+ Respond promptly to any letters or requests for additional information
+ Keep copies of all VA letters and decisions in your VA folder or binder.
Step 9: Coordinate Benefits and Care at Home
When Aid and Attendance is approved, you’ll want to make sure the benefit is used to support safe, consistent care.
– Review the decision letter to understand the monthly benefit amount
□ Confirm when payments will start and how they will be delivered
* Create or update your care plan, which may include:
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Help with personal care (bathing, dressing, toileting)
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Assistance with walking and transfers
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Medication reminders
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Meal preparation and light housekeeping
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Companionship and supervision for safety
– Contact Assisting Hands Home Care of Chattanooga to:
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Build a schedule that fits your budget and benefit
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Adjust care as needs change over time
We’re Here to Support Veterans and Families
Navigating VA Aid and Attendance can feel like a lot, especially when you’re already juggling appointments, medications, and day-to-day care. You don’t have to go through it alone.
Assisting Hands Home Care of Chattanooga can:
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Help you organize your care needs before you apply
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Coordinate with your doctor and other professionals
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Create a home care plan that supports your loved one once benefits are in place
If you have questions about how home care works with VA Aid and Attendance—or you simply want someone to walk through this checklist with you—contact us today. We’re honored to support the veterans and families in our community.
