• Key Services Available:
  • Preventative Care – Regular check-ups, immunizations, and screenings.
  • Specialty Care – Treatment for chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and dementia.
  • Home-Based Primary Care – For veterans who have difficulty traveling to VA clinics.
  • Geriatrics and Extended Care Services – Including palliative care, hospice, and nursing home care.
• Eligibility for VA Health Care:
  • Have served in active duty with an honorable discharge.
  • Meet income-based eligibility if not service-connected.
  • Have a service-connected disability (if applying for disability-related care).

Texas has several VA medical centers and clinics, including the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (Houston) and the Central Texas Veterans Health Care System (Temple, Austin, Waco, Killeen, and surrounding areas).

• VA Pension:
  • The VA Pension is a monthly, tax-free income for low-income wartime veterans who are 65+ or permanently disabled.
  • Eligibility:
    • Served at least 90 days of active duty, with at least one day during a wartime period.
    • Have limited income and assets.
    • Are 65 or older OR permanently disabled.

• Aid & Attendance (A&A) & Housebound Benefits:
  • This is an additional benefit to the VA Pension that provides extra financial support for long-term care needs.
  • Aid & Attendance (A&A) Eligibility:
    • Requires help with daily activities (bathing, dressing, eating, etc.).
    • Resides in a nursing home or assisted living facility OR is bedridden.
    • Has limited income/assets (but strategic planning can help qualify).
  • Housebound Benefits:
    • For veterans who have a permanent disability that severely limits mobility.
    • Provides additional pension if the veteran is mostly confined to their home.

• Maximum Monthly Pension Rates (2024):
  • Single Veteran:
    • VA Pension $16,551/year ($1,379/month)
    • VA Pension + A&A $27,609/year ($2,300/month).
  • Married Veteran:
    • VA Pension $21,674/year ($1,806/month)
    • VA Pension + A&A $32,729/year ($2,727/month).
  • Surviving Spouse:
    • VA Pension $11,012/year ($917/month)
    • VA Pension + A&A $17,743/year ($1,478/month).

Planning Tip: If a veteran exceeds the income/asset limits, an Elder Law attorney can help structure finances (e.g., irrevocable trusts, asset transfers) to qualify.

A. State Veterans Homes in Texas:

• These are nursing homes and assisted living facilities specifically for veterans. Texas has nine State Veterans Homes, including:
  • William R. Courtney Texas State Veterans Home (Temple)
  • Ambrosio Guillen Texas State Veterans Home (El Paso)
  • Frank M. Tejeda Texas State Veterans Home (Floresville)
  • Ussery-Roan Texas State Veterans Home (Amarillo)
• Eligibility:
  • Must have been honorably discharged.
  • Must need nursing home-level care.
  • Spouses and Gold Star Parents may also qualify.

B. VA Community Living Centers (CLCs):

• These are short-term nursing facilities that offer rehabilitation, hospice care, and memory care.

C. Home & Community-Based Services (HCBS):

For veterans who prefer to stay at home instead of a nursing home, VA benefits can cover:

• In-home caregivers (respite care for family caregivers).
• Skilled nursing services (home health aides).
• Adult day health care programs.

Planning Tip: Many veterans use Medicaid planning strategies to qualify for both VA and Medicaid benefits to cover long-term care expenses.

• Common Service-Connected Disabilities for Seniors:
  • PTSD and mental health conditions.
  • Hearing loss & tinnitus.
  • Exposure-related illnesses (e.g., Agent Orange exposure).
  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBI).

• Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC): Monthly payment for spouses of veterans who died from service-connected conditions.

• Survivor’s Pension (Widow’s Pension): Tax-free income for low-income surviving spouses.

• Burial & Funeral Benefits: VA covers grave markers, burial allowances, and military funeral honors.

Texas also offers a Property Tax Exemption for 100% disabled veterans and their surviving spouses.

• Hazlewood Act: Free college tuition (up to 150 credit hours) for Texas veterans and their children.
• Texas Veterans Land Board (VLB): Offers low-interest home, land, and home improvement loans for veterans.
• Property Tax Exemptions: 100% disabled veterans get full property tax exemptions on their primary residence.

• Assist with VA Pension & Aid & Attendance applications.
• Help structure assets & income to qualify for benefits.
• Ensure VA and Medicaid benefits work together for long-term care.
• Appeal denied VA claims for disability compensation.