as defined by benefits.va.gov

Veterans and survivors who are eligible for a VA pension and require the aid and attendance of another person, or are housebound, may be eligible for additional monetary payment. These benefits are paid in addition to monthly pension, and they are not paid without eligibility to Pension.

Aid & Attendance (A&A)

The Aid & Attendance (A&A) increased monthly pension amount may be added to your monthly pension amount if you meet one of the following conditions:

• You require the aid of another person in order to perform personal functions required in everyday living, such as bathing, feeding, dressing, attending to the wants of nature, adjusting prosthetic devices, or protecting yourself from the hazards of your daily environment
• You are bedridden, in that your disability or disabilities requires that you remain in bed apart from any prescribed course of convalescence or treatment
• You are a patient in a nursing home due to mental or physical incapacity
• Your eyesight is limited to a corrected 5/200 visual acuity or less in both eyes; or concentric contraction of the visual field to 5 degrees or less

Current Maximum Limits of the Aid & Attendance Benefit

• Surviving Spouse (Widow or Widower of a Veteran): $1,208
• Dependent Spouse (Spouse of a Living Veteran): $1,442
• Single Veteran (Veteran with no dependents): $1,881
• Married Veteran (Veteran and Spouse are living and the Veteran needs care): $2,230
• Married and BOTH are Veterans (Both Veterans need care): $2,984