Michigan Veterans Benefits Lawyers

Sadly, many veterans are unaware of the benefits to which they may be entitled to following military service in the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, or Coast Guard. These benefits can provide significant assistance, particularly in cases where the veteran suffered a service-related injury or disability, or where the armed forces member died while engaged in active service. At Mall Malisow & Cooney, P.C., we offer compassionate and comprehensive services to aid veterans and survivors.

Our talented and experienced team of Attorneys and VA Specialist can help you:

• Apply for and coordinate your VA benefits at no charge;
• Get benefits for which you may have been denied;
• Maximize the amount of benefits to which you are entitled; and
• Obtain VA pension with Aid and Attendance

Eligibility for Non-Service Connected Benefits (Improved Pension)

In order to be eligible for benefits, certain requirements must be met by the veteran or their surviving spouse.

General Requirements For Aid & Attendance:

• Veterans or surviving spouses must be at least 65 years of age.
• Veterans or surviving spouses can be under 65 if the veteran is officially disabled.
• Veterans must have served at least 90 days, including at least one day during the following wartime dates (actual combat service is not required): World War II: Dec 7, 1941 – Dec 31, 1946, Korean War: Jun 27, 1950 – Jan 31, 1955, Vietnam War: Aug 5, 1964 – May 7, 1975 (or Feb 28, 1961 – May 7, 1975 for Veterans who served in Vietnam), Gulf War: Aug 2, 1990 – Undetermined
• Veterans cannot have been dishonorably discharged.

Disability Status:
Veterans are eligible for benefits without a disability, but a higher benefit is available to those who are disabled.

• Aid & Attendance Eligibility – the veteran must require help with activities of daily living (ADLs) at home, in nursing homes, or in an assisted living facility. The need for that help does not have to be related to military service.
• Housebound Eligibility – the veteran needs to have the disability rating of 100% that prevents them from leaving their home. The disability does not have to be related to military service.
• Basic Pension / Improved Income Eligibility – there is no disability requirement.

Marriage Status:
A surviving spouse must have been living with the veteran at the time of their death and must be single at the time of filing a claim for survivor’s benefits.

Financial Requirements:

• Pension eligibility is based on financial need. Based on VA policy a claimant’s net worth in excess of $80,000 will generally not qualify and in many cases this number will need to be much lower (like $20,000 to $40,000). Additionally, eligibility and benefit rates are also based on adjusted average monthly income.
• If your income or assets disqualify you for veterans pension benefits, we discuss planning strategies to qualify you for benefits in the future. Our Attorneys have extensive experience in the areas of Estate Planning, ElderCare Law, health insurance, Medicaid, and Veterans Benefits. This enables us to look at the full picture and assist in comprehensive planning – addressing both immediate and long-term needs so that you receive optimal care, benefits and resources.

Have You Been Denied Veterans Benefits?

If you have been denied veterans benefits, or received any other negative action from the VA, it is your right to appeal with a private Attorney retained to represent your interests. Because of our respect for service members, veterans, and their families, Mall Malisow & Cooney is pleased to offer resources and experience that is unavailable from most other law firms in our area.

All of our Attorneys who handle veterans benefit cases are accredited by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and have many years of experience handling benefits appeals and veterans pension cases. In addition, our VA Benefits Specialist, Jack Becher, has over 30 years of experience as a managing officer of the Veterans Service Organization. Mr. Becher is well versed in current laws regarding veterans benefits, claims, denials, appeals, and pensions.

Respected Veterans Benefits Attorneys in Farmington Hills

The Law Firm of Mall Malisow & Cooney is proud to provide excellent service and many years of experience to serve our veterans and service families. If you have questions about the veterans benefits to which you may be entitled, or if you have been denied veterans benefits, contact us today. Your valuable service to our country has earned you the right to enjoy certain benefits, and our talented team of lawyers and VA specialist are ready to provide our experience and resources to you and your family.