Understanding First Finds [Veterans' Relief]: A Guide for Veterans
Definition & Meaning
The term "first finds" refers to the earliest date that a veteran receives a permanent and total (P&T) disability rating from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or the date the VA first informs the veteran about this rating. This date is significant because it determines the eligibility for certain benefits for the veteran's dependents, particularly children. The effective date is chosen based on which is more beneficial for the child.
Legal Use & context
This term is primarily used in the context of veterans' benefits law. It is crucial for determining the eligibility of dependents for educational assistance and other benefits under the Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance program. Understanding "first finds" can help veterans and their families navigate the complexities of VA benefits and may involve various forms and procedures that can be managed with the right resources, such as legal templates available through US Legal Forms.
Real-world examples
Here are a couple of examples of abatement:
Example 1: A veteran receives a P&T rating effective from January 1, 2020, but the VA notifies them of this rating on March 15, 2020. In this case, the first finds date would be January 1, 2020, as it is the earlier date.
Example 2: If a veteran is rated as P&T on June 1, 2021, and is notified on June 15, 2021, the first finds date would be June 1, 2021, since it is the date of the rating. (hypothetical example)