The VA does not have the definitive answer and actually those I spoke with there had no idea. Of course by calling many departments at the VA, I may turn up an answer.One reason is that it probably goes state to state. Social Services both national & local will not talk about anything related to Medicaid until you have a case worker. The reason for this and I understand well is that there is so much Medicaid fraud.The VA benefit could push the applicants income above the income level acceptable for Medicaid - that is, if it is counted as income. These are the things I do not know but I think putting in a Medicaid application is perhaps more important as the VA benefit takes 6 months to kick in & will not cover the services my Mom needs...anyhow I will find out as I navigate the system for my poor Mom who needs lots of care & is now legally blind. After my Dad died when she was 48 yrs. and she raised several children as a single Mom, she married my step father. Although he was a multi-millionaire when he passed away, he left her with about $1,700.00/year. There was a pre-nup but he had told my Mom that if they stayed together he would of course change it. But he did not & left everything to his children. I understand he loved his children but after that many yrs in a marriage it should have been split between his children & my Mom. The step children are helping but it is very awkward. I could challenge the pre-nup which I do not believe was legal, but all I want is that my Mom be well cared for....butI hate having to feel fearful that the support could be dropped & that we have to be accountable for everything she does, attending a wedding or buying furniture as her needs change. Her level of care is increasing in cost as she ages.It is not the fault of the children but of my step father. I am working on becoming wealthy but it is not obvious!! One never know though. Thanks for your answer.