Are there specific services available for Parkinson's Veterans?

The PAA would like to first and foremost thank you for your service. We will never be a better educator of VA benefits than the actual Veteran's Administration. However, we do want to highlight the benefit opportunities as a reminder of what is available.

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For the most current and detailed information, you should always reference the VA's website.

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If you're serving on active duty in the United States uniformed services, including active National Guard and Reserve with federal pay, you may be eligible for VA benefits for both during service and after separation or retirement If you're a traditional or technical member of the National Guard and Reserve, you may also be eligible for some VA benefits. Find which benefits you may qualify for - and when to apply online. You'll also learn about these benefits in your required Transition Assistance Program (TAP) briefing.

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If you are currently enrolled in any of these benefits, it's important to make sure your Power of Attorney or Executor is aware of all details about the programs.

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Your benefits were well earned, so make sure you are taking advantage of the benefits as much as possible. Some of the VA benefits we especially want to highlight are:

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• Certificate of Eligibility for a VA backed home loan: Review the requirements for getting a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to buy, build, improve or refinance a home. This could come in very handy if you need to make modifications to your home for aging in place upon retirement.

• Life Insurance for You and Your Family: Find out if you qualify and how to manage your SGLI coverage. You will need to convert to a Veteran's group Life Insurance (VGLI) or commercial policy.

• VA Health Care: Learn about your health care options and how to apply for VA health care when you receive your separation or retirement orders. If you're' a combat Veteran, you can apply right away to take advantage of 5 years of enhanced eligibility.

• Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E): If you have a service-connected disability that limits your ability to work or prevents you from working, find out how to apply for VR&E services. You can apply up to 12 years from when you receive your notice of separation or your first VA disability rating.

• Disability Compensation: File a claim for disability compensation for conditions related to your military service and manage your benefits over time.

• Veterans Pension Program: If you served on active duty during wartime, are at least 65 years old or have a service-connected disability and have limited or no income, find out if you qualify for Veterans Pension benefits.

• Aid and Attendance or Homebound Allowance: If you need help with your daily activities or you're homebound, check whether your eligible to have increased aid added to your monthly Veterans Pension Payments

• Disability Housing Grants: If you have a service-connected disability, find out how to apply for a housing grant to make changes to your home so you can live more independently.

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As a service to your loved ones, it is important to record the details of any benefits you may be receiving from the VA. This should include the name of the benefit, any contact information for learning more about the benefits (including benefit summaries,) identification or claim numbers, as well as line-item of any monthly receivable income.

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Disclaimer:  The information contained in these Frequently Asked Questions have been sourced by reliable, research-based publications. It is to your discretion whether or not to incorporate the education and awareness as guidance into your wellness journey with Parkinson's. The Parkinson Association of Alabama cannot be held liable for the solutions you try, and you should always consult with medical experts before trying anything new or incorporating new matters into your overall wellness plan.