Death Benefits

When a military veteran dies, the VA offers monthly benefits to eligible survivors. These VA death benefits are called Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC). Unfortunately, dependents who suffer the loss of a loved veteran may suffer again when their claims for DIC benefits are denied. Our Kalamazoo, MI veterans attorneys fight for your VA survivor benefits. We often obtain VA death benefits for spouses, children, and dependent parents entitled to them.

Spouses, children, and dependent parents of service members and veterans who meet certain criteria may be eligible for VA survivor benefits. Contact us to learn more.

How to be Eligible for VA Death Benefits

One of the following must also be true to obtain VA death benefits:

• The veteran must have died on active duty, active duty training, or inactive duty training, OR
• The death must have resulted from a service-related injury or disease, OR
• A veteran whose death resulted from a non-service-related injury or disease, and who was receiving, or was entitled to receive, VA benefits for service-connected disability that was rated as totally disabling
  • for at least 10 years immediately before death, OR
  • since the veteran’s release from active duty and for at least 5 years immediately preceding death, OR
  • for at least 1 year before death if the veteran was a former prisoner of war who died after September 30, 1999

A veteran’s VA disability compensation is not automatically continued upon their death for their surviving spouse and children. However, it may be converted to a VA death pension depending on income or to DIC benefits. If you’ve been denied VA death benefits, schedule an appointment with one of our veterans attorneys. We can help you gather the paperwork needed to prove you are eligible for VA death benefits.

Has your claim for VA survivor benefits been wrongly denied? If so, request a consultation with one of our VA lawyers in Kalamazoo, MI by calling the VA Disability Group at 1-844-VET-LAWS (1-844-838-5297).