At the discretion of the department of veterans affairs, reasonable rates may be charged for maintenance and care to those veterans who are capable of paying for any or all of the use of the facilities. In determining whether or not a veteran is capable of paying for the use of the facilities, the department of veterans affairs shall establish by the adoption and promulgation of rules and regulations a charge system of taking into consideration the income and estate of the veteran receiving care.
La. R.S. § 29:383