At Elder Law Guidance, we help Middlesboro and Bell County families protect what they’ve worked for, plan for care with confidence, and access the Medicaid and VA benefits they’ve earned.
If you’re helping aging parents handle care options or appealing a disability claim as a veteran, our team offers patient guidance that makes complicated rules feel simple.
Clients often tell us that working with our team “felt like finally understanding the ins and outs of elder law, trusts, and powers of attorney.” One recent family shared that we were “very patient to explain every step and worked seamlessly with their financial advisor and CPA to achieve what they truly wanted.”
That trust, earned through clarity, compassion, and follow-through, is the foundation of our practice.
Founded in 2015 and rooted in service, ministry, and community, we focus on people over paperwork. We coordinate with local institutions, from Middlesboro ARH Hospital to the Bell County Courts in Pineville, so your legal, medical, and financial plans align.
What Is Elder and VA Disability Law and Why It Matters in Middlesboro
Elder law and VA disability law are both about making sure you and your family can live with dignity, stability, and access to care as the years go on.
Elder law protects your health, income, and independence through legal tools such as trusts, powers of attorney, and Medicaid-eligible asset-protection plans.
VA disability law makes sure that the men and women who served receive the compensation and medical benefits they’ve earned for service-connected conditions.
Here in Middlesboro, these protections matter more than ever. Bell County’s senior population is nearly one in five residents, and many families live on modest fixed incomes.
With nursing-home costs in Kentucky averaging $7,700 per month, even a short illness can threaten decades of savings. At the same time, roughly 700 veterans call Bell County home, many facing long waits or confusing paperwork when applying for VA disability or pension benefits.
We help bridge those gaps, coordinating with Middlesboro ARH Hospital, the Bell County Courts and the VA Regional Office in Louisville, so that your legal, medical, and financial needs stay connected rather than scattered.
Our Elder Law and VA Services in Bell County
- Medicaid Planning
- Crisis Medicaid Planning
- VA Disability Compensation
- Estate Planning
- VA Pension
- Long Term Care Planning
- Probate
- Guardianship and Conservatorship
- Elder Law
Get Trusted Legal Support Today
For straightforward legal advice and representation, contact Elder Law Guidance. Call (859) 544-6012 to schedule your consultation.
Why Families Choose Elder Law Guidance in Middlesboro
- Trusted Across Kentucky
Families from Middlesboro to Harlan and Corbin count on us for patient, plain-English guidance that simplifies complex law. - A Clear Promise
We explain every option clearly so you always understand what you are signing and why it matters. - Education First
You can attend our free webinars twice a month to learn about Medicaid, VA benefits, trusts, and estate planning before making any decisions. - Team-Based Support
You are never on your own. From your first call to your signed plan, you will have a full team of professionals guiding you through each step. - Transparent Fees
Every cost is explained up front. If we cannot save you more than you pay, we will tell you so. - Compassion and Integrity
We treat every family with the same care we would want for our own. No pressure, no confusion, no surprises.
How Kentucky Medicaid and VA Benefits Work Together
Kentucky’s Medicaid Long-Term Care Program helps cover nursing-home or in-home care once income and assets meet strict limits.
At the same time, veterans and surviving spouses may qualify for VA Disability Compensation or the Aid & Attendance Pension, which adds monthly, tax-free income for those needing help with daily activities.
When coordinated properly, one program covers medical and personal-care costs while the other provides extra income to preserve quality of life.
The challenge is timing: Medicaid has a five-year look-back period, and VA pension rules include detailed asset and income tests. A small mistake, such as an untimely gift or transfer, can delay or deny benefits for months.
We build plans that align both systems, using Medicaid-compliant trusts, spend-down strategies, and VA evidence documentation so families stay eligible for both programs without losing what they’ve earned.
Here in Bell County, where the average cost of skilled-nursing care tops $7,700 per month, this coordination can be the difference between comfort and crisis. It’s about protecting your home, your income, and your dignity for the years ahead.
What Is the Difference Between Estate Planning and Elder Law
While both estate planning and elder law focus on protecting your future, they serve different purposes for Middlesboro families and seniors.
Estate planning centers on how your assets are managed and distributed, through wills, trusts, and powers of attorney, after death or incapacity. It makes sure your wishes are carried out and your loved ones are cared for.
Elder law, on the other hand, addresses the broader needs of aging adults. It includes long-term care planning, Medicaid eligibility, nursing home protection, and guardianship issues.
Working with a Middlesboro elder law attorney helps you create a plan that not only protects your estate but also safeguards your health, independence, and financial security as you age.
Our Elder Law and VA Disability Process in Middlesboro, Kentucky
Many Middlesboro families reach out after a hospital stay, new diagnosis, or change in care needs. Our process provides clear direction and peace of mind from the first call to final implementation.
Step 1: Free Consultation
We start with a free consultation. We review your goals and determine if you have a legal need that our firm can assist with.
Step 2: Strategy Session
Next, you’ll meet with an attorney to create a personalized plan covering Medicaid eligibility, VA benefits and disability, and legal protections like wills, trusts, and powers of attorney.
Step 3: Document Preparation
We draft and finalize all necessary documents, including wills, trusts, deeds, and benefit applications, tailored to your family and compliant with Kentucky and VA requirements.
Step 4: Application Assistance
Our team helps file Medicaid applications with the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services and VA pension or disability claims.
Step 5: Coordination & Follow-Up
We assist with asset transfers, funding, and coordination with financial professionals to make sure your plan works smoothly in real life.
Step 6: Ongoing Support
Families can join our 12-Month VIP Plan for continued reviews, caregiver coordination, and updates as laws and benefits change.
How We Help With VA Disability Claims and Appeals
For many veterans in Middlesboro, getting approved for VA disability benefits is not easy. Even a small paperwork error or missing medical report can lead to months of delay. Our team helps veterans and their families build complete, accurate claims so they can receive the compensation they earned through service.
We start by reviewing your service records, medical evidence, and prior decisions. If your claim has already been denied, we guide you through the next step that fits your situation:
- Supplemental Claim for adding new or corrected evidence
- Higher-Level Review when a prior decision may have been made in error
- Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA) if your case needs a formal hearing before a judge
We are VA-accredited representatives and work directly with the Louisville Regional Office and nearby Community Based Outpatient Clinics that serve Bell County veterans.
Most importantly, we focus on keeping the process clear. You will always know what stage your case is in, what evidence we are submitting, and what to expect next.
Our mission is simple: to honor your service by protecting your rights. We will stand beside you until the VA gets it right.
About Elder Law Guidance
Founded in 2015, Elder Law Guidance was created with the purpose to protect Kentucky families and help them age with dignity, confidence, and peace of mind.
After seeing how many families had to start over each generation, founder Scott E. Collins built the firm on a promise to change that story by helping people preserve what they’ve earned, access the care they deserve, and pass down lasting security to the next generation.
Our roots in military service, ministry, and community work shape everything we do. We understand that elder law is not just about paperwork, it is about people, families, and real-life transitions. Every plan we create is designed to honor your values, reduce stress, and bring clarity during complex times.
We serve families across Bell County and the surrounding Appalachian region. Our team is known for our clear explanations, step-by-step guidance, and integrity-driven approach: if we cannot save you more than you pay, we will tell you so.
We also believe education builds confidence. That is why we host free monthly webinars, offer in-person and virtual consultations, and stay connected long after your documents are signed. From Medicaid eligibility to VA disability appeals, we walk beside you at every stage of the journey.
Areas We Serve in Middlesboro, KY
We over services across Bell County, including:
- Downtown Middlesboro
- East End
- West End
- North 25E Corridor
- Cumberland Avenue District
- North 15th Street Area
- Old Pineville Pike
- Beacon Hills
- Happy Hollow
- Binghamtown
- Edgewood
- Noetown
- Brownies Creek
- Yellow Creek
- Arthur
- Balkan
- Beans Fork
Local Resources for Seniors and Veterans in Bell County
Health & Long-Term Care
- Middlesboro ARH Hospital – 3600 W. Cumberland Ave, Middlesboro
- Generations Center of Middlesboro – Adult day care and senior support
- Pineville Community Hospital – 850 Riverview Ave, Pineville
Government & Legal Assistance
- Bell County Courthouse – 101 W. Park Ave, Pineville
- Bell County Clerk’s Office – Probate and public records
- Bell County Veterans Service Office – VA claims and local outreach
Veteran & Community Support
- VFW Post 5171 – Middlesboro
- American Legion Post 14 – Pineville
- VA Outpatient Clinic – Corbin, KY
- Cumberland Gap National Historical Park – Veterans and community events
Financial & Educational Resources
- Local CPAs, financial advisors, and trust officers in Middlesboro
- Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College – Adult education and caregiver programs
Plan With Peace of Mind Today
Protect your family, your home, and your future before a crisis forces difficult decisions.
At Elder Law Guidance, we make planning simple, affordable, and personal. If you need help with Medicaid eligibility, VA disability benefits, or estate planning, our team will guide you with patience, honesty, and respect.
Every plan begins with a free consultation, where we listen first and explain your options.
Schedule your free consultation today and take the first step toward protecting what matters most.
