What is VA Form 21-2680?

VA Form 21-2680 is the  Examination for Housebound Status or Permanent Need for Regular Aid and Attendance.  This form must be signed by a M.D. or D.O.  If the form is signed by a nurse or physician’s assistant, the Department of Veterans Affairs will demand you submit a form signed by the appropriate healthcare professional.  VA Form 21-2680 should be included in every Fully Developed Claim for Aid and Attendance benefits.

Eligibility for Aid and Attendance can be broken down into four requirements.  One of those requirements focuses on the health of the applicant.  In order to properly report the health of the applicant to the Department of Veterans Affairs, VA Form 21-2680 should be completed and submitted.

How should VA Form 21-2680 be completed?

To answer this question you must understand what the VA wants to see.  Medical eligibility for Aid and Attendance means that the applicant requires the assistance of another person with multiple activities of daily living.  Activities of daily living are basic self-care needs such as bathing, dress, and transferring.

VA Form 21-2680 must, therefore, indicate that the applicant can’t perform these ADL’s without assistance.  Some questions directly address needs like bathing and ambulating.  If the applicant requires assistance with these activities, the doctor must make that known.  Ideally, the doctor would explain why the applicant requires that care.  Make it clear to the doctor that this form must be thoroughly completed.  One word answers should be avoided.

You should pay careful attention to questions 10, 23, and 32.  If those questions are answered thoroughly and indicate that the patient requires care, the applicant will be considered medically eligible by the VA.

Aid and Attendance or Housebound?

If an applicant is using VA Form 21-2680 to apply for Pension and not Special Monthly Compensation, an award of Aid and Attendance should always be the goal.  Aid and Attendance and Housebound make up what the VA refers to as Special Monthly Pension.  Simply stated, Aid and Attendance pays more than Housebound.

What’s more, if someone does meet the criteria for Housebound status, it is highly likely that they also meet the criteria for Aid and Attendance.  Housebound actually means that the applicant can’t leave the home.  More often than not, those applicants also require assistance with multiple activities of daily living.

To discuss your potential eligibility for VA benefits, contact VA Legal Team for a free consultation.