How to Support a Veteran and Get Registered with the VA: A Guide for Spouses and Caregivers

Step 1: Understand Your Role

As a spouse, family member, or caregiver, you may be:

• Helping a veteran manage their health care or medications

• Driving them to VA medical appointments

• Helping them file or manage disability claims

• Supporting them with daily activities like cooking, bathing, or paperwork

• Talking to doctors or the VA on their behalf

You can apply to be officially recognized as a VA caregiver and get support, training, and possibly payment from the VA if you do these things.

But to do that, you need the VA’s permission to act or speak on the veteran’s behalf.

Step 2: Get Authorized to Speak for the Veteran

The VA will not share information with you unless the veteran gives permission. Here’s how to get authorized:

Option 1: VA Form 21-0845 – Authorization to Disclose Information

This form allows you to:

• Call the VA and ask questions about the veteran’s benefits

• Help manage claims, appeals, and payments

• Get updates directly from VA employees

To complete this form:

1. The veteran fills out and signs VA Form 21-0845

2. You list your name, relationship, and a password (to verify identity)

3. Submit the form:

   • Online through VA.gov

   • By mail to the VA Evidence Intake Center

   • Or bring it to your nearest VA office

📄 Download VA Form 21-0845: https://www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/VBA-21-0845-ARE.pdf

Option 2: Power of Attorney (POA) or Accredited Representative

If the veteran wants someone to fully act on their behalf, they can give you:

• Power of Attorney (POA) — usually handled by a Veterans Service Officer (VSO)

• This lets you file claims and receive decisions on their behalf

You can also use a VSO (free of charge) to help guide both of you through the process. Find a VSO here: https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/ebenefits/vso-search

Step 3: Add Dependents to the Veteran’s VA Benefits

If the veteran is rated 30% or higher, they can receive extra monthly money for dependents, including:

• A spouse

• Biological or adopted children under age 18

• Children age 18–23 who are in school full-time

• Dependent parents (if the veteran financially supports them)

How to Add Dependents:

1. Online at VA.gov – View or Add Dependents

2. Or by mail using VA Form 21-686c

📄 Download VA Form 21-686c: https://www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/VBA-21-686c-ARE.pdf

Once submitted, VA will review the information and adjust monthly payments.

Step 4: Register as a VA Caregiver (Optional but Recommended)

If you’re helping a veteran with daily care, you may qualify for the VA’s Caregiver Support Program. There are two main levels

1. General Caregiver Support (Available to all caregivers)

This includes:

• Free coaching and online training

• A Caregiver Support Coordinator at your VA Medical Center

• A 24/7 Caregiver Support Line: 855-260-3274

You do not need to apply formally. Just call or visit https://www.caregiver.va.gov

2. Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC)

This is for caregivers of veterans who:

• Have a VA disability rating of 70% or higher, or

• Were medically discharged due to service-connected conditions

• Need help with daily living tasks

 Benefits include:

• A monthly payment (stipend) to the caregiver

• CHAMPVA health care for caregivers who aren’t on TRICARE

• Respite care (relief help so you can rest)

• Travel benefits when going to VA medical appointments with the veteran

• Mental health and peer support

How to Apply:

1. Complete VA Form 10-10CG

2. Submit it:

   • Online: https://www.va.gov/family-member-benefits/comprehensive-assistance-for-family-caregivers

   • Or bring it to your VA Medical Center’s Caregiver Support Office

Download VA Form 10-10CG:  https://www.va.gov/find-forms/about-form-10-10cg

Step 5: Help With Disability Claims or Appeals

As a spouse or caregiver, you can:

• Help your veteran gather medical records, test results, and buddy statements

• Track daily symptoms and side effects

• Attend C&P exams and take notes

• Help them write a personal impact statement

• Work with a VSO to prepare a strong claim or appeal

• Support the veteran during mental health treatment or therapy

If your veteran was denied benefits or got a rating that seems too low, you can help them file:

• A Supplemental Claim (with new evidence)

• A Higher-Level Review

• An Appeal to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals

Start at: https://www.va.gov/decision-reviews

Step 6: Learn About Benefits for You as a Spouse or Family Member

Benefit	Who It's For	How to Access
Dependency Pay	Spouses, children of veterans rated 30% or more	Add through VA.gov or with Form 21-686c
CHAMPVA Health Care	Spouses and children of veterans rated 100% or deceased due to service	https://www.va.gov/health-care/family-caregiver-benefits/champva
Education Benefits (DEA Program)	Children/spouses of veterans who are 100% P&T or passed away from service-connected condition	https://www.va.gov/education/survivor-dependent-benefits
VA Home Loans	Surviving spouses	https://www.va.gov/housing-assistance/home-loans/surviving-spouses
Burial and Memorial Help	Surviving family	https://www.va.gov/burials-memorials

Summary: Key Takeaways

• Get authorization with VA Form 21-0845 or POA to speak for the veteran

• Add yourself and children as dependents to increase benefits

• Register as a VA caregiver to get training, resources, and possibly payments

• Support the veteran by helping with claims, C&P exams, and appeals

• Use available programs for health care, education, and support for family