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Additional Options for Veterans and Caregivers who Disagree with a PCAFC Decision
If you disagree, in whole or in part, with a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) decision under the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC), the following options are available for you to appeal or request Veterans Health Administration (VHA) review of the decision:
Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Review Options
- Supplemental Claim(only available for PCAFC decisions provided by VA on or after February 19, 2019)
- Higher Level Review (only available for PCAFC decisions provided by VA on or after February 19, 2019)
Appeal to the Board of Veterans’ Appeal (Board)
- This option is available for all PCAFC decisions regardless of the date the decision was provided.
To provide additional choice to Veterans and caregivers, VHA will continue to offer the clinical review process (also referred to as the VHA Clinical Appeals Process) if you disagree with one or more PCAFC decisions, regardless of when those decisions were made. This process will work in tandem with the two additional VHA review options noted above.
We will continue to update this information so please check back frequently.
SUPPORT FOR CAREGIVERS
As a family caregiver you play an important role in caring for the Veteran at home and in the community.
Caregiver Support Program (CSP) - Events Page
PCAFC Expansion Phase 1
Eligibility for the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) has expanded.
Review the fact sheets to learn more about the expansion.
- Caregivers PCAFC - Application Process Fact Sheet (PDF)
- Caregivers PCAFC - Expansion Fact Sheet (PDF)
- Caregivers PCAFC - Eligibility Criteria Fact Sheet (PDF)
- Caregivers PCAFC - Legacy Participant Fact Sheet (PDF)
- Caregivers PCAFC - Monthly Stipend Fact Sheet (PDF)
- Caregivers PCAFC - CHAMPVA Fact Sheet (PDF)
Fact Sheets available in Spanish & Tagalog/Filipino.
There are several steps in the application process that determine if you qualify.
How do I apply for this program?
You and the Veteran will need to apply together and participate in an application process to determine if you’re eligible for the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers. You'll both need to sign and date the application and answer all questions for your role.
You can apply online right now.
Apply for the program of comprehensive caregiver assistance
You can also apply:
By mail
Fill out a joint Application for the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (VA Form 10-10CG).
Download VA Form 10-10CG (PDF)
Mail the form and any supporting documents to:
Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers
Health Eligibility Center
2957 Clairmont Road NE, Suite 200
Atlanta, GA 30329-1647
In person
Bring your completed VA Form 10-10CG to your local VA medical center's Caregiver Support Coordinator. To find the name of your local coordinator, you can:
Go to the VA Caregiver Support Coordinator directory, or
Contact the Caregiver Support Line at 855-260-3274
Do not send medical records along with the application. VA will follow up after the application is received. If you need assistance with completing the application or would like to check the status of your 1010CG application please call 1-855-488-8440, option 3.
Be sure to check back for updates or subscribe to receive email updates and information about VA Caregiver Support Program services.
1099-NEC for Caregiver Stipend Payments
Several Primary Family Caregivers participating in VA’s Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) recently expressed concern over receiving a 1099-NEC form from VA. After researching this matter, VA found that a total of 149 PCAFC Caregivers received a 1099-NEC form. These PCAFC Caregivers were all paid taxable wages in 2020 as providers of bowel and bladder care for their Veteran family member under VA’s Spinal Cord Injury or Disorder (SCI/D) Program. The 1099-NEC form received by these 149 PCAFC Caregivers reflected only their bowel and bladder wages.
Bowel and bladder care for Veterans with SCI/D are supportive and necessary medical services when they are unable to manage bowel and bladder functions independently. The clinic of jurisdiction, or VA medical facility, authorizes such care under the Community Care Program to enrolled Veterans with SCI/D who are dependent upon others for bowel and bladder care while residing in the community. Veterans with SCI/D who qualify for bowel and bladder care may receive that care through a home health agency, a family member, or an individually employed caregiver.
Starting Monday, February 8, the Office of Community Care will begin calling the 149 Caregivers to explain why they received the 1099-NEC form and answer any questions they may have.
The Purple Heart and Disabled Veterans Equal Access Act of 2018
The Purple Heart and Disabled Veterans Equal Access Act allows Purple Heart recipients, former prisoners of war, veterans with service-connected disabilities, and individuals approved and designated as primary family caregivers of eligible veterans, entry onto military installations to use the AAFES Exchange; commissary and Morale, Welfare and Recreation facilities.
Review the VA Caregiver Support and DOD FAQs (PDF) about this program.
Announcement for COVID-19
Learn how you can protect, prepare and support yourself and your Veteran loved one through these challenging times with tips on Caregiving During COVID-19 (PDF) and Coronavirus FAQs page. For more information or support call us at 1-855-260-3274.
We appreciate you and we are here to help you!
Caregiver Resources
Need Help?
Call VA’s Caregiver Support Line (CSL) at 1-855-260-3274 to learn more about the support that is available to you, and for assistance connecting with the Caregiver Support Team/Coordinator, at your local VA Medical Center.
VA CSL Expanded hours:
-Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. ET
-Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET
Your local Caregiver Support Coordinator is a licensed professional who can support you by matching you with services for which you are eligible, and providing you with valuable information about resources that can help you stay smart, strong and organized as you care for the Veteran you love.
Subscribe to receive email updates and information about VA Caregiver Support Program services.
