Any other people other than the county Veterans Affairs officer who can help me?

[LaurieG]

Hi -

Is there anyone local other than the Veterans service officer who can answer questions about filling out the paperwork to apply for A&A for my mother?  I have tons of questions - more than can probably be answered in a timely manner in this forum.

My mother is in Florida.  I am in Texas.  I cannot leave Texas to go to Florida.  I am working full time, do not yet have paid time off; my husband is unemployed, and I have a child with autism.

I've been told that my local VA cannot file since my mother is in Florida. 

If I can get all my questions answered, I can file.  Other than getting a lawyer (which neither my mother nor we can afford), anyone other than the county Veterans officer who can answer questions?

TIA -

Laurie

[MJ]

Maybe you could find an organization like 'Eldercare' that could direct you on how to accomplish this task long distance.
Or try emailing this person below. She is the person that told me about this benefit for VA surviving spouses to begin with. She may have some suggestions. There is no charge for this.
carolinew@aplaceformom.com (her name is Caroline Wine)

Wishing you good luck... it IS do-able!

[patray]

11.02.09
dear laurie;

so sorry to hear you are running into such difficulty. I am a vso in Alcorn County, MS., but if you will email your full name, address,
and phone# if you are comfortable with it, i will be happy to mail you a list and an application for everything that you will need to properly file your mother's claim.
you may go online to the Mississippi State Veterans Affairs Board, and validate that I am a certified VSO. You can contact me at the following:                           Patricia Hopkins Ray
                                        Alcorn County Veterans Service Center
                                        Alcorn County Courthouse
                                        P. O. Box 158
                                        Corinth, MS 38835
                                        662.286.7744                 or fax       662.284.4922           or email at       pray@co.alcorn.ms.us

Myand staff are dedicated to assisting our beloved veterans and their families. Please feel free to contact me and I will be
happy to guide you thru the process.

[kayellen]

Eldercare site or Senior Information should be able to help you.  Problem is VA prohibits anyone from charging the "veteran" any compensation for help, which includes no attorney fees, no copies charges etc....

The VeteranAid.org site has all the paperwork you need to file a claim. The documents can be printed and filled out.  But if you are dealing with an assisted living facility or nursing home, they can provide the paperwork you need.  At least that is my experience.  All they do is pull up the site and print out the paperwork and help you fill it out.