VA Pension Rates Finally Published

Each year, with Congressional approval, Social Security and Veterans Benefits increase incrementally based on a cost of living adjustment increase. For 2015, that amount was 1.7%.  For VA benefits, the effective date is December 1, 2014. 

Even though those already getting the benefit received their increases, it was impossible for practitioners to advise applicants as to what rate to expect upon approval of a new application because the rates had not been published. As of January 12, 2015, the VA rates can be found at:

http://www.benefits.va.gov/pension/current_rates_veteran_pen.asp for veterans and  http://www.benefits.va.gov/pension/current_rates_survivor_pen.asp for survivors (spouses and children).

For a quick breakdown, see below for both the annual and monthly amounts: 

2015 VA Pension Rates – Effective 12/1/14

Veterans

Medical Deduction (5% of Maximum Annual Pension Rate) $643 (single)      $842 (with dependent)

                                                                                                       ANNUAL                MONTHLY

Base Pension (single)                                                                    $12,868                    $1,072

Base Pension (w/ dependent)                                                        $16,851                    $1,404

Housebound (single)                                                                      $15,725                    $1,310

Housebound (w/ dependent)                                                          $19,710                    $1,642

A&A (single)                                                                                   $21,466                    $1,788

A&A (w/ dependent)                                                                       $25,448                    $2,120

 

Surviving Spouse

Medical Deduction (5% of Maximum Annual Pension Rate) $431

                                                                                                        ANNUAL                MONTHLY

Base Pension                                                                                  $8,630                     $719

Housebound                                                                                   $10,548                    $879

A&A                                                                                                $13,794                    $1,149

 

Two Vets Married to Each Other

                                                                                                        ANNUAL                MONTHLY

Base Pension                                                                                  $16,851                    $1,404

One Housebound                                                                            $19,710                    $1,642

Both Housebound                                                                           $22,566                    $1,880

One A&A                                                                                         $25,448                    $2,120

One Housebound and One A&A                                                    $28,300                     $2,358

Both A&A                                                                                        $34,050                    $2,837

Victoria L. Collier, CELA, Elder Care Attorney, Co-Founder of Lawyers for Wartime Veterans and Lawyers with Purpose, Veteran, author of 47 Secret Veterans Benefits for Seniors and most recent book, Paying for Long Term Care: Financial Help for Wartime Veterans: The VA Aid & Attendance Benefit.  

If you want to learn more about expanding your VA practice, or starting a VA practice, Victoria Collier will be offering a LIVE VA Accreditation Course.  She'll be teaching the necessary information for accreditation but also providing updates and practice tips based on current VA practices February 4th in Charlotte, NC.  If you provide legal advice to veterans about specific VA claims, you MUST be accredited by the VA.  Join us February 4th, where you'll LIVE in the room with Victoria L. Collier for your accreditation.  Contact Kyle Russ at kruss@lawyerswithpurpose.com for registration information.

*Before attending the course, you must have submitted an Application for Accreditation, VA form 21a, to the Office of General Counsel, and received approval.

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