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[quote=Anonymous]10:16 here - These links may help you get started. 
http://www.va.gov/opa/newtova.asp
http://www.benefits.va.gov/PENSIONANDFIDUCIARY/pension/aid_attendance_housebound.asp

My father's story is that he was in the Air Force for 5 years during the Vietnam War. No wartime injuries, no interaction with the VA until he was in his late 60s and developed melanoma. He and my mother had middle class income/little debt before retiring a few years earlier (about 90k). Melanoma treatment was crazy expensive and he required more and more medical assistance. The social worker at the cancer hospital told him to apply for VA benefits. My parents went to their local regional VA office and someone there explained what was available and helped him apply. He had to have a copy of his discharge papers and the exact date of his discharge - very important. They said approval was based on need in that state and that it would take 1-2 months to hear back.  He found out a month later that he was approved. He had to go to the VA doctor for an physical to get started and annually thereafter (that was tough as he grew sicker).  A VA social worker was assigned and interviewed my father about his needs: new glasses (had to go to the VA eye doctor annually from then on), medications (had to pick up at VA pharmacy), weekly supply of diapers, special shoes, a walker, then a wheelchair and ramp on the house, home health aide visits, some physical therapy, finally hospital bed and hospice care. It was tremendously helpful. My father is buried in the Veterans cemetery in his state.

Best wishes to you all.
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