Veterans Planning in Troy, MI

Assisting Clients With Veterans Planning Matters in Michigan

If you’re a veteran of any branch of the United States military, there are special considerations involved in your estate planning. The lawyers at BRMM can help identify those that apply to you and provide assistance and guidance with all of your estate planning needs.

Our skilled estate planning attorneys serving in Troy, Oakland County, and surrounding areas are accredited with the United States Department of Veterans and are knowledgeable in the intricacies of estate planning, asset transfer, and Medicaid. We also can assess eligibility for a tax-free benefit, which is available for veterans or a surviving spouse who qualify. 

The Aid & Attendance Program

For most veterans, the idea of collecting a pension benefit from the military does not seem like a real possibility unless you have suffered a service-connected disability. However, there is a veteran’s pension benefit program available to all veterans and their families, which is available to pay for un-reimbursed home health and medical expenses and the un-reimbursed cost of assisted living.

This program is called the Aid and Attendance Program and does not require a service-connected disability. Our knowledgeable lawyers can help determine whether you qualify and lay out the steps needed to receive your pension.

Your loved one may qualify for benefits if:

• They need assistance with grooming
• They have a prosthetic or orthopedic appliance
• They cannot feed themselves without assistance
• They have a physical disability
• They require assistance on a regular basis for their health and safety

How Our Veterans Planning Attorney Can Help You

Here’s how we can help:

• Assessing Eligibility for Veterans Benefits: Determining eligibility for veterans benefits involves understanding the VA’s requirements for service, disability, and financial need. We will work with you to assess your military service records, medical history, and financial situation to determine what benefits you may qualify for. Whether you’re seeking compensation for service-related injuries or long-term care benefits, we can help you understand the best course of action.
• Aid and Attendance Benefit Planning: One of the most valuable benefits available to veterans and their spouses is the Aid and Attendance pension, which provides financial assistance for long-term care costs. Qualifying for Aid and Attendance requires meeting both financial and medical criteria, and many veterans may not realize they are eligible. We can assist in restructuring your assets to meet the VA’s requirements while protecting your estate. We also help gather the necessary medical documentation to support your application.
• Appealing VA Denials: It’s not uncommon for initial applications for veterans benefits to be denied due to missing information, insufficient medical documentation, or other factors. If your claim has been denied, we can assist in filing an appeal. We have extensive experience with the VA’s appeals process and can help you gather additional evidence, file the appropriate paperwork, and represent you during hearings to ensure your case is heard.
• Long-Term Care and Medicaid Planning: For veterans who may need long-term care, it is important to coordinate veterans' benefits with Medicaid and other public assistance programs. Without proper planning, receiving veterans benefits can potentially affect Medicaid eligibility. We can help you structure your assets and income to ensure you maintain eligibility for both programs, maximizing your benefits while preserving your estate.
• Estate Planning for Veterans: Veterans benefits often go hand-in-hand with comprehensive estate planning. We can integrate your veterans benefits into your broader estate plan, providing that your assets are safeguarded and your loved ones are provided for. This includes forming wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives that account for veterans benefits and help you avoid unnecessary tax burdens or penalties.
• Survivor Benefits for Spouses and Dependents: In addition to benefits for veterans themselves, certain benefits may be available to surviving spouses and dependents of veterans. These can include Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), death pensions, and educational assistance. We help surviving family members determine their eligibility for these benefits and assist with the application process to ensure that they receive the support they are entitled to.
• Maximizing Your Benefits: We are here to help you secure the full range of benefits available to you and your family while minimizing legal and financial obstacles. We will work with you to ensure that your application is full and accurate, and we’ll explore all options to maximize your benefits. Whether you are applying for the first time, need assistance managing multiple benefits, or require help appealing a denied claim, we are here to guide you every step of the way.
• Personalized Legal Guidance: Every veteran’s situation is unique, and we deliver personalized legal advice tailored to your specific needs. We take the time to understand your service history, current circumstances, and long-term goals so we can create a plan that works for you. We pride ourselves on offering compassionate, knowledgeable legal services to help veterans and their families secure a stable and comfortable future.

Contact Our Troy Veterans Planning Attorney in Troy Today

It doesn’t matter how long you’ve served in the military or which branch you served, we will expertly guide you through the process to ensure you and your loved ones are taken care of today and into the future.