Timing is everything. And in a moment I’ll share with you the dates that qualify for wartime service... one of the keys to unlocking the VA Aid and Attendance benefit for our veterans with Alzheimer’s or dementia. But first, perhaps you’ve heard the old saying... What’s the difference between salad and garbage? The answer is, of course, TIMING!
Submitting a VA application at the wrong time can turn your potential claim into garbage. But if you’re worried about the timing of your loved one’s VA application, don’t fret. We know when it’s the right time to apply. If you’d like us to help you figure out if, and when, to apply, call our office at (919)443-3035 and let us explore your potential benefits.
Or if you’d prefer just to read on, let's make sure that your loved one qualifies for the correct dates of what the VA considers "wartime." Now remember, your loved one must have been honorably discharged, and must have served 90 consecutive days of active duty, including at least ONE DAY in one of the following date ranges:
Official Dates for Periods of War
World War II: December 7, 1941 to December 31, 1946
Korean War: June 27, 1950 to January 31, 1955
Vietnam War: August 5, 1964 to May 7, 1975 (February 28, 1961 if served in Vietnam)
Persian Gulf War: August 2, 1990 to [date not yet determined]
If you plan to apply for the Aid and Attendance benefit for your loved one with Alzheimer’s, make sure you have their discharge papers (commonly known as their DD-214). Do you know where to find them? Check the dates of both entering and leaving the service. Do those dates fall within the wartime dates listed above? In addition, does the discharge show that your loved one was honorably discharged?
If you can't locate your loved one's discharge papers, you can request certified copies of them from the VA here. We recommend that you order at least two certified copies so that if you later complete an application for benefits, you can submit one copy with the application and keep a copy for yourself.
