Military Officer - January 2008 - (Page 18) yourviews A&A rate of pension — their medical expenses exceed their countable income, so they can be paid at the maximum rate. An A&A rating, which often requires formal consideration of a VA Form 21-2680 (which must be signed by a physician), is virtually automatic if the VA knows the applicant is a patient — “patient” and not “resident” — in a nursing home. These days, Alzheimer’s disease is a common basis for A&A, even if the claimant is cared for at home. A&A is really not that hard, if understood as only a part, albeit a significant part, of other programs. Some service-connected compensation awards also may be increased by A&A ratings for veterans or their dependents, but that is another story. My main concern with MOAA’s published “combat” requirement error is that some readers might actually have faith in MOAA [editors] and think that their wartime service — even if [within the continental U.S.] — dad or widow mom is not eligible and therefore not apply. In other words, your A&A article could cause much more harm than good. —Col. John W. Tilford, USAR-Ret. via e-mail Ad #173 Independence Hill Time for a Change I want to commend you on the shift in your focus over the last few years. First, the change from TROA to MOAA was needed and timely to broaden your appeal to officers on active duty as well as those who have retired. The second major shift has been an increasing and much-needed emphasis on reserve issues. Having served initially on active duty for six years and then in the Army Reserve for the past 19 years, I now anticipate each edition of [Military Officer] because I know I will find information PLACE YOUR AD IN: FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 1-800-234-6622 ext. 135 www.moaa.org/advertising 18 MILITARY OFFICER JANUARY 2008 http://www.independencehill.com http://www.independencehill.com http://www.LiveAtParadise.com http://www.LiveAtParadise.com http://www.moaa.org/advertising
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