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Thanks to all of you for your personal experiences.  I feel like it is all getting closer. 

What was the reason for the denial?  Was it monetary or did they say she didn't qualify medically? 

I received notice at the end of September that they made a final determination of incompetency.  Next step to have a field visit.  I am still waiting for a field visit. 

I get copied on everything the VA sends to my Mom - no problems there. The check is supposed to be direct deposited to her account.. I have read on here that sometimes it takes a couple of months to get that going... I thought I would wait it out before trying to call the VA....
Wish you the best in getting fast response to your Dad's claim!

I think until you go through the fiduciary process they will send everything to the claimant.  I just checked my mother's mailbox at the assisted living facility almost every day when I knew VA correspondence should be coming.  She'd get mail, take it to her room, and I'd just have to look around to find things.  When you are appointed fiduciary, you will have to set up an account for the direct deposit that reads "Beneficiary's Name, by Your Name, Custodian of VA Beneficiary" - not a joint account.  Good luck finding a bank that will do it without a court order.  In our area, I was denied such an account by Chase, Bank of American, American National.  The VA Rep in Waco, TX told me to try Wells Fargo, and they were very helpful in setting up the proper account.  It took me a year to get direct deposit started - and what got it finally done was a lost check.  The VA's response was that if I had direct deposit it wouldn't have happened!  I had sent in numerous forms and voided checks and never knew why it never got started.  It was a joint account and they wouldn't recognize it. Of course, I had to go through all the hassle of changing all direct deposits - social security, pension, etc.

Let me add that when the rep called to set up our appointment, he requested that I bring several documents with me - things that should have been (and were) a part of my original package.  I didn't say he should already have them - just made more copies and took them along.  We actually met at my mother's assisted living facility.

Hi MaryKay

My husband applied just over a year ago, and now we too are in the authorization phase.   They called earlier this week and told us, that they will be sending something out in the mail by end of next week.  So, for us so far it's will be about 2 weeks.    Praying here for positive news.  Will include you as well.

hugs
Anne

MJ & Mom,

Congratulations!  Anyone who has battled for & received this benefit for their loved one has gone the extra mile.

I just sent in the application for my 88 Y/O, WW-II veteran father (who is in assisted living in Phoenix 600 miles away) ,& it was received 12, Nov. (USPS "received" & signed for by VA official).  As of today, I have not received a "formal" response from the VA.

My question is...if you used form 21-22a, presumably to delegate Power of Attorney to you the daughter, why would the VA be sending precious & valuable papers (and the check nevertheless) directly to your mother and not to you?

I have a very deep concern that any communication and monetary checks from the VA should go through the POA designees.   You cannot trust an assisted living facility to deliver valuable documents.


Why then did the VA send your mom the communication & check directly rather than to you?  This is just inconsistent with logical thinking. 

Thanks for your consideration and again, congratulations!

JP
Denver

Thank you so much.  I appreciate the information on the timing and the process. 

My experience was that after a call to schedule the appointment to be named fiduciary, it was about a week later that I had the meeting.  He assured me the retro check would be received within about 21 days - and it was.  The monthly check came on the first day of the following month.  My mother had to attend the meeting, and he recorded things about her dress, her answers to his questions, etc.  It was a very pleasant meeting, but I had stressed myself out about it.  He was a very kind and pleasant person to deal with.  He called me last month (it had been a year) and told me he was going to visit with my mother and check on her.  I was on vacation at the time, and, of course, she didn't remember anything about it!