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I remember an online/PDF chart showing LTC eligibility by tier - service-connected disability (SCD) and something else (age?) but that was a good 10 years ago.
My aunt was told VA wouldn't cover my uncle in a NH because his SCD is on the low end. I just talked to someone at a veteran service organization in their state and was told that if his primary care doctor is at VA and makes a referral to a NH, he SHOULD be covered. I was a little put off by her uncertainty. She's assuming the conditions for which the patient's being referred are sufficient to get coverage.
Before I call my aunt back, I wanted to find something more concrete. I'll keep looking but if anyone can quickly point me to that chart, I'd appreciate it. Clock's ticking...

The VA keeps changing the conditions that contribute to "Service Connected Disability"
It would be wise to check again, make an appointment at your local Veterans Assistance Commission and bring in medical info, as many diagnoses that you can.
Each condition is evaluated on it's own. (And it is possible to get above 100%)
There is a YouTube video "Calculating VA Disability Ratings" I hope that helps.
(I just googled it and it came up it is a VA resource)
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Reply to Grandma1954
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I found the priority group list I'd asked about on the geriatric care portion of the VA website ,(https://www.va.gov/health-care/eligibility/priority-groups/). When enrolling in the VA healthcare system, a vet is put into one of eight priority groups which determines the benefits (basic and beyond) available to them. The groups include levels for those with a low or no service-connected disability rating.

Because the website seemed vague about eligibility for extended care (their term for AL and NH), and a veteran service organization rep didn't seem entirely certain, I called VA.

Eventually I got the clarity needed:
* All vets are eligible for extended care
* Vets with SCDs have 0 copay for extended care but may be required to pay up to $11 copay for Rxs. Complete form 10-10-EC to determine copays.
* No SCD is required for hospice/palliative care
* A vet must be enrolled in the VA healthcare care system to be eligible for extended care.
* Every vet is assigned to a social worker; that is the starting point for requesting extended care.

I couldn't delete my OP so I thought I'd at least share some of what I sent to my aunt.
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Reply to ravensdottir
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Grandma1954 Sep 12, 2024
This is helpful. I have made note of the website.
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I found this site. A lot of things are considered when using VA as your health insurance. Not all Vets qualify.

https://www.va.gov/health-care/eligibility/
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Reply to JoAnn29
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