What does VA fiduciary appointed for 100% disability mean?

Posted by boppi @boppi, Jan 8, 2025

We applied for Veterans disability which means multiple services and monthly income. At first it was only 10% for hearing loss, then 40% for added asthma and most recently 100% total including dementia! But at the same time we received a notice they will appoint a fiduciary to receive any money benefits and to manage/distribute those monies for his care. I am worried that will mean a stranger handling his care and cause me more work/grief. Any experience with this happening?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Caregivers: Dementia Support Group.

Profile picture for saraemma3709 @saraemma3709

thank you....the problem is my husband is not disabled....macular degeneration and alzheimer's...I don't think that would count.

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It's all in percentages. Go to DAV.

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Profile picture for saraemma3709 @saraemma3709

thank you....the problem is my husband is not disabled....macular degeneration and alzheimer's...I don't think that would count.

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My hubby did not initially qualify because of his Lewy Body Dementia until this past May of 2024. Some rule changed and with a bit of a push from the DAV and a specifically worded letter from his doctor, he was immediately bumped up to 100% and that opened so many doors of help for him (us) and added extea money to his VA check each month. Please don't feel discouraged, I had to keep trying with the local VA and they did a very good job, but the DAV helped the most.

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had your husband been in active service?

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That is where my problem lies...he served during a non war time.
so does not qualify.

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Profile picture for saraemma3709 @saraemma3709

That is where my problem lies...he served during a non war time.
so does not qualify.

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My hubby happened to be in service during the start of the Gulf War. However, keep checking. The rules changed and keep changing. The DAV is the place to call and go to. The American Legion can help as well - but my best source was the local DAV.

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I worked for the VA for almost 20 years. A fiduciary helps with managing VA service connected benefits. Call (800) 827-1000. or e-mail at vaoighotline@va.gov. If you call, you will be able to speak to a live person who will provide information. If the Veteran is deemed unable to safely manage their own funds, a VA fiduciary will be appointed. Their job is to support a disabled Veteran and make sure his/her money is well managed and safe. The Veteran will be assessed by a VA provider to evaluate their ability to manage funds. Good luck.

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Like AZ said, Fiduciary services through the VA is to aid and assist with ensuring the money provided via the Service Connected Disability is being utilized appropriately. Because there was an indication of mental health conditions having a cognitive deficit being able to manage money. Google VA fiduciary services. This service will not allow me to post a URL link.

As for the others commenting with spouses that served on active duty. Service Connection is separate from qualifying for other benefits available through the Veterans Health Administration. There are SEVERAL programs to assist with physical needs. So for the Veterans who served during peace time there are other options, plus they can apply for Service Connection to any "illness, injury or condition" they experienced or have from their service on active duty. PLEASE talk to a Veteran Service Officer "VSO". There are many VSO's. There are state appointed VSO's and Veteran Service Organization VSO's, such as DAV, American Legion, Paralyzed American Veterans, OIF/OEF, VFW, etc..... talk to someone and keep searching!!!!

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Profile picture for gator72 @gator72

Like AZ said, Fiduciary services through the VA is to aid and assist with ensuring the money provided via the Service Connected Disability is being utilized appropriately. Because there was an indication of mental health conditions having a cognitive deficit being able to manage money. Google VA fiduciary services. This service will not allow me to post a URL link.

As for the others commenting with spouses that served on active duty. Service Connection is separate from qualifying for other benefits available through the Veterans Health Administration. There are SEVERAL programs to assist with physical needs. So for the Veterans who served during peace time there are other options, plus they can apply for Service Connection to any "illness, injury or condition" they experienced or have from their service on active duty. PLEASE talk to a Veteran Service Officer "VSO". There are many VSO's. There are state appointed VSO's and Veteran Service Organization VSO's, such as DAV, American Legion, Paralyzed American Veterans, OIF/OEF, VFW, etc..... talk to someone and keep searching!!!!

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@gator72, I noticed that you wished to post a URL to an article with your post. You will be able to add URLs to your posts in a few days. There is a brief period where new members can't post links. We do this to deter spammers and keep the community safe. Clearly the link you wanted to post is not spam. Please allow me to post it for you: https://www.benefits.va.gov/FIDUCIARY/index.asp.

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Profile picture for teacher502 @teacher502

I am my husband's fiduciary through the VA. He has Lewy Body Dementia and is 100% disabled. A representative from the VA did come to the house and interviewed me and talked with my husband in person. It was decided that I would be able to manage my husband's financial affairs. This opened the door to filing for Aide in Attendance, Caregiver Support and other programs through the VA. The two programs I mentioned have helped us tremendously in many ways. There was very little paperwork after the initial application. When it is a spouse, the VA does not require a lot of paperwork....so far, in the past four years, they have asked me for nothing. If something happens to me, then another family member can apply, but that person would be monitored closer and would have to do a bit more paperwork. Regardless, even if it was lots of paperwork, I would gladly do it. The amount of money he receives has made it possible for us to hire two others to help him and it helps to keep him in our home. We have other benefits from the VA, and it makes me very proud of my husband's commitment to our country. I am grateful for the VA's position that the caregiver is an important person to our soldier and to our country. Do apply and don't be afraid - once you are approved, it is an easy process. (Plus, it protects you legally. I have used my fiduciary status to sign many papers and it helped me be approved for guardianship for him as well. ) Hope this helps. I will watch for other questions that you may have going forward. Best wishes to you.

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I too was named as fidicuary for my husband who is 100% disabled …he has vascular dementia. It has been about one year since this happened and I am waiting for the VA to contact me about how I handled the finances. Even though everything is on the up and up, it still concerns me and is a little intimidating that someone else after 41 years of marriage is overseeing how you handle finances. I also see that you said this opened up being able to sign for him in certain instances. Is this like a power of attorney? I really appreciate your post and look forward to your response. Our veterans deserve the best

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