"Thanks Kitchen Table Gang for all the "care" packages you sent us, plus the snacks, personal items, letters, books and greeting cards!"

IMPORTANT BENEFITS

While making nursing home arrangements for my aged father, I recently
became aware of a valuable program that I wish to share with you. It is
particularly helpful as you consider Long Term Care Plans and should be
factored into your decision process.
     "Aid and Attendance" is an underutilized special monthly pension benefit
offered by the Veterans Administration for veterans and surviving
spouses who require in-home care or live in nursing homes. To qualify, a
veteran (includes the surviving spouse) must have served at least 90
days of active military service, one day of which is during a period of
war, and must be discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.
The veteran's benefit is $18,234 annually (paid monthly) and increases
to $21,615 if a veteran has one dependent. The surviving spouse alone is
$11,715 annually.

Need Gulf
War help?

Gulf War veterans with concerns about their health:contact the nearest VA medical center. The telephone number can be found in the local telephone directory under Department of Veterans Affairs in the "U.S. Government" listings. A Persian Gulf Registry examination will be offered. Treatment will be provided to eligible veterans.
Gulf War veterans in need of marital/family counseling:
contact the nearest VA medical center or VA vet center. For additional information, call the VA Gulf War Information Helpline at 1-800-PGW-VETS (1-800-749-8387).

Gulf War veterans seeking disability compensation for illnesses incurred in or aggravated by military service: contact a Veterans Benefits Counselor at the nearest VA regional office of health care facility or call the VA Gulf War Information Helpline at 1-800-PGW-VETS (1-800-749-8387).

Gulf War veterans interested in learning about the wide range of benefit programs administered by the VA: contact a Veterans Benefits Counselor at the nearest VA regional office or health care facility or call the VA Gulf War Information Helpline at 1-800-PGW-VETS (1-800-749-8387).

Individuals with first-hand information about "incidents" that occurred in the theater of operations during the Gulf War and that may be related to health problems experienced by individuals who served in the War: call the DoD "Incidents" Hotline at 1-800-497-6261.