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The veteran or survivor must file an application with the VA to establish or apply for entitlement amounts to increased benefits (improved pension, aid and attendance, or homebound rating). VA benefits increase at different times based on the increase in cost-of-living.

1. Potential eligible include:

a. Disabled individuals with disabilities incurred or aggravated by military service and the spouse or dependents of such individuals.

b. Permanently and totally disabled veterans including veterans age 65 or older who have sufficient wartime service. The surviving spouse may be eligible for pension also.

c. Surviving spouse and dependent children of veterans who die in service or who died of a service connected disability.

d. Parents of a veteran who died in service or of a service connected disability when the veteran has no other surviving dependents.

2. Appointment of NC Department of Military and Veteran’s Affair as a/b’s representative The North Carolina Department of Military and Veteran’s Affair assists veterans and their families in obtaining Veteran’s Benefits. The department is working with Division of Health Benefits (DHB) to make sure all a/b’s and financially responsible individuals receive the maximum veteran’s benefits to which they are entitled. In order to aid this task, NC Department of Military and Veteran’s Affair may be appointed as a “Claimant’s Representative” by the veteran or family member signing VA form 21-22, Appointment of Veterans Service Organization as Claimant’s Representative.