failure to receive surviving spouse benefits

[Gerald]

My father, deceased siince 1986 was a WWII veteren serving in the CBI theater, mostly in India. My mother was diagnosed with dimentia in 2003 and after a fall in 2005 was unable to walk again and placed in a nursing facility. We filled out all the application forms for nursing home care in may 2005. I, her son and legal guardian, never received any type of reply from the VA to this day. She passed away in Feb. 2007 after spending almost 22 months in the nursing facility. How can I find out what happened to her benefits?

[Patty]

Hi Gerald,
Do you have proof that you filed an application i.e.  Did you send it certified return receipt requested? Did you ever receive any letter from the VA acknowledging receipt of the application? 
Did you keep a copy of the form you sent the VA?
If yes, Did you ask for A&A in that application?

[Gerald]

At the time of application in spring 2005, the owner of the nursing home filled out all the papers. I just signed them and provided the other necessary info such as death certificate and discharge papers for my father. The nursing home said that they always keep a copy of the application, but I haven't contacted them yet.

[Patty]

Hi Gerald,
You need to get a copy from them - hopefully they sent it return receipt requested and have proof of receipt.  Did you call the VA and ask if they have her application on file?  You have 1 year after her death to make a claim with the VA.
Based on what they have and what the answer from the VA is will result in different tactics, so let us know.
Good Luck,
Patty