This program will provide a discussion of the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Veteran and Surviving Spouse Pension Programs. Both are income-based, unlike the VA disability compensation program. If a veteran or surviving spouse meets the maximum income, duty, and status requirements (e.g., age 65, nursing home resident), then VA benefits are available. This program, taught by veteran and attorney Tom Kniffen, will review the formula used to calculate a veteran’s or spouse’s qualifications in order to provide effective legal representation for them.
Learning Objectives:
Review the requirements for a veteran or surviving spouse to receive pension benefits
Examine the formula used to calculate a veteran’s or spouse’s qualifications for pension benefits
Identify how to effectively represent a veteran or surviving spouse seeking pension benefits
Tom Kniffen is a veteran. He is a former Judge Advocate with the United States Air Force. Tom worked as an appellate attorney for the United States Department of Veterans Affairs [VA], defending VA before the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims [CAVC], and as Section Chief of the VA Compensation Service Regulatory Affairs Office, from 1999 – 2015. In both positions, his responsibilities focused upon VA benefits. Since 2015 when he founded his law firm, www.kniffenlaw.com, Tom has represented veterans and their dependents before CAVC, the United State Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit and VA at the Agency Level.
Great course and very informative.
Thank You.
Thank you for an informative CLE presentation.