Application for Veterans Pension

Match your military records exactly. If you already have a VA disability claim on file, include the VA File Number so pension and compensation are linked in one file.

(legal name, SSN, VA file number if you have one)

Common mistakes

• ×Using a nickname or shortened name instead of the legal name on DD-214.
• ×Not including an existing VA File Number - causes a duplicate file to be opened.

Pension requires wartime service. Recognized periods: WWI (4/6/1917-11/11/1918), WWII (12/7/1941-12/31/1946), Korean Conflict (6/27/1950-1/31/1955), Vietnam Era (8/5/1964-5/7/1975 or 2/28/1961-8/4/1964 if served in Vietnam), Gulf War (8/2/1990-present). Even one day of qualifying wartime service counts. Character of discharge must be "other than dishonorable."

e.g., U.S. Army, 06/15/1968-06/14/1970, Honorable, Vietnam Era (in-country service 01/10/1969-06/14/1970)

Common mistakes

• ×Veterans who served in peace-time periods between wars may NOT qualify - confirm your service dates align with a recognized war period.
• ×Not mentioning in-country Vietnam service if applicable - this extends the Vietnam Era back to 2/28/1961.
• ×Dishonorable discharge - pension ineligible. "Bad conduct discharge" may also be disqualifying. Discuss with VSO.

Authority

• 38 CFR 3.3 - Eligibility criteria for veterans pension: wartime service, discharge character, income below MAPR, and net worth below threshold.
• 38 USC 1521 - Wartime non-service-connected pension for low-income veterans.

Report ALL income for the current year from ALL sources for yourself AND any dependents on the claim: Social Security, SSA disability, civil service or military pension, wages, self-employment, interest and dividends, rental income, annuities, royalties, trust income. Do NOT include: VA benefits, Medicaid/Medicare, food stamps, property tax refunds. Income is calculated on a prospective basis for the next year.

e.g., SSA: $1,400/mo ($16,800/yr); Wife SSA: $600/mo ($7,200/yr); No other income

Common mistakes

• ×Forgetting to include a spouse's income - both incomes count unless filing as separated.
• ×Including VA disability compensation - it is excluded from countable income for pension purposes.
• ×Not reporting interest or dividends - small amounts matter near income thresholds.

Authority

• 38 CFR 3.3 - Eligibility criteria for veterans pension: wartime service, discharge character, income below MAPR, and net worth below threshold.
• M21-1 V.iv.3 - Calculating IVAP for pension eligibility.

Medical expenses you pay that are NOT reimbursed by insurance reduce your countable income (IVAP) dollar-for-dollar, which can qualify you for pension or increase your pension rate. Include: Medicare premiums, Part D premiums, Medigap premiums, prescription copays, dental/vision costs, home health aide costs, assisted living fees (if not A&A level), physician fees, medical equipment. Keep receipts.

e.g., Medicare Part B premium: $185/mo; Medigap premium: $220/mo; prescriptions: $150/mo; = $6,660/year in deductible expenses

Common mistakes

• ×Not claiming medical expenses because they seem small - even small amounts reduce countable income and can push you under the threshold.
• ×Claiming reimbursed expenses - only out-of-pocket amounts count.
• ×Not knowing that in-home care counts as a medical expense - paid caregivers are often the largest deductible expense.

Related ClaimRecon tools

• form-guide-21p-8416 - Use VA Form 21P-8416 (Medical Expense Report) to document complex medical expenses separately.

Report the current market value of: checking and savings accounts, CDs, money market accounts, stocks and bonds, IRAs and 401(k)s (at current value, not contribution), real estate you do NOT live in, trust assets you can access, business assets. Do NOT include: your primary residence, one vehicle, personal property (furniture, clothing), prepaid burial plans within limits. The current net worth limit is approximately $155,356 (2024; increases annually with CPI). Excess net worth means no pension.

e.g., Checking: $8,500; Savings: $22,000; IRA: $45,000; No other assets. Primary home and 1 vehicle excluded.

Common mistakes

• ×Including the primary residence in net worth - specifically excluded under law.
• ×Not disclosing IRA or 401(k) balances - they count toward net worth even if not drawing from them.
• ×Forgetting jointly-held assets - half the value of jointly held assets typically counts.

Authority

• 38 CFR 3.3 - Eligibility criteria for veterans pension: wartime service, discharge character, income below MAPR, and net worth below threshold.
• M21-1 V.iv.3 - Calculating IVAP for pension eligibility.

If you need regular help with daily activities (bathing, dressing, eating, toileting) OR you are substantially confined to your home due to disability, check the appropriate box to claim the higher pension rate. You MUST also attach a completed VA Form 21-2680 (physician examination) and/or 21-0779 (if in a nursing home).

Check BASIC, HOUSEBOUND, or AID AND ATTENDANCE

Common mistakes

• ×Checking A&A or Housebound but not attaching 21-2680 - the physician examination is required evidence.
• ×Not claiming A&A when you qualify - many pension-eligible veterans also qualify for A&A and miss significant additional monthly income.

Authority

• 38 CFR 3.351 - A&A and housebound criteria for pension recipients.
• 38 CFR 3.352 - What counts as needing regular aid and attendance.

Related ClaimRecon tools

• form-guide-21-2680 - Doctor must complete VA Form 21-2680 to support A&A or Housebound claim.
• form-guide-21-0779 - File 21-0779 if you are in a nursing home.

Sign and date. VA will cross-reference all income and asset information with IRS and SSA records. False statements are a federal crime and can result in repayment demands and loss of benefits.

(signature/date)

Common mistakes

• ×Not attaching required documents (DD-214, income evidence, 21-2680) - the claim cannot be processed without them.
• ×Leaving income or asset fields blank - VA treats blank as unknown, delays processing.