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Q750: My dad passed away a couple of months ago, he was a World War II veteran with 90% disability rating. Is my mother entitled to receive any of his disability monies, or entitled to any VA benefits?
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A1: Sorry for your loss. Yes, she is entitled to Spouse Survivor benefits. She needs to go see DAV CSO near her community and ask them to help her file DIC claim. She will need to bring a copy of the following documents: Marriage license; copy of death certificate, which hopefully states that his death was due to service connection; copy of his DD-214; and his VA file number, which is on every document associated with 90% disability claims. If you have any questions , email them to me and I'll see if I can help. (JL) 7/2/21
A2: VA has two programs that spouses of deceased veterans may be entitled too. The first is Dependency Indemnity Compensation (DIC) and, secondly, the Improved Death Pension. DIC is awarded if the veteran died as a result of a service connected disability. Sometimes the veteran was not service connected for the disability but, should have been. For instance, a Vietnam vet died as a result of lung cancer and never knew he/she could file for it. When I file the DIC claim, I include evidence that the veteran had lung cancer. This is just one example. There are too many to list. The other program, the widow pension, is a needs based program. If the veteran served 90 days of continuous active duty with at least one of those days being during a period of war, and her annual is below a certain level, then she may be entitled. For each program, DIC and death pension, there is a Housebound and an A&A level, which would provide more income. I would recommend having your mother consult with an accredited VSO. We are always undergoing training to stay up-to-date on current VA laws and procedures. (DS) 7/2/21