What Happens When a Veteran Dies?

Death is an inevitable as taxes…so goes the saying. But what happens when a veteran passes away. The first step is that if you are a surviving spouse or child you should notify the VA (assuming the veteran was receiving benefits). Second you should consider whether you should apply for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC).

There are several possible evidentiary requirements but in a nutshell if you can prove with medical evidence that the veteran died from a condition or disability or disease that was service connected then you may be eligible for DIC benefits. Such a claim can provide tax free money to a qualifying spouse or child. The strength of a DIC claim really centers on the medical evidence.

You will need a medical professional to opine on the cause of death (this is on the death certificate). Then you will need the doctor to give a written opinion that the service connected disability caused the death. This is where things can get tricky and you need direction to ensure that the evidence and opinion meet the evidentiary standards required by VA.

Contact us and speak to a Vet Defender about your DIC claim. You can schedule an appointment simply by clicking this link and scheduling your appointment: Schedule an Appointment.