13 Jul 2023
VA Benefits for Spouses, Dependents, and Survivors

VA Benefits for Spouses, Dependents, and Survivors

Denied DIC Benefits
Military families often bear the weight of sacrifices made by their loved ones who served in the United States Armed Forces. As the spouse, dependent, or survivor of a veteran, you have experienced firsthand the dedication, courage, and selflessness exhibited by your family member. Recognizing the immense contributions and sacrifices made by military families, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers a range of benefits and support. These benefits aim to provide assistance and resources to spouses, dependents, and survivors, acknowledging their unique challenges. This article overviews VA benefits available to spouses, dependents, and survivors. From VA benefits for spouses…
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09 Feb 2023

How Does the PACT Act Affect DIC Benefits?

Agent Orange, Burn Pits, Denied DIC Benefits, Dependency and Indemnity Compensation
Just like the Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act made it easier for veterans to obtain service connections for burn pits and other toxic exposure, it also makes it easier for their surviving spouses and family members to obtain compensation. This is known as Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) and expanding its availability to survivors of burn pit exposure victims is a key component of the PACT Act.   Benefits related to burn pit exposure were available before the PACT Act took effect. However, it was difficult to prove that the claimant’s disabilities had a service-related connection. We…
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30 Aug 2022

The Most Common Reasons DIC Claims are Denied

Denied DIC Benefits, Dependency and Indemnity Compensation, VA Benefits, VA Disability Claims, VA Disability Claims, Veterans Disability Attorney, Veterans Disability Lawyer
The Most Common Reasons DIC Claims are Denied   In the past, survivors of disabled veterans who passed away were presumptively entitled to survivor benefits, called Dependency and Indemnity Compensation, or DIC. Then, the law changed, establishing requirements which must be met before DIC claims can be granted. Now, because of the complexity of DIC claims, the initial denial rate is around 75%. Occasionally, the reasons for denial are straightforward and easy to correct. Sometimes, though, even the reasons for denial are as complex as the requirements themselves.   If a claims examiner denies a DIC petition, the claimant does…
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26 Jul 2022

How to Appeal a Denied DIC Claim Under the Appeals Modernization Act

Denied DIC Benefits, Dependency and Indemnity Compensation, Veterans Disability Attorney, Veterans' Appeals
How to Appeal a Denied DIC Claim Under the Appeals Modernization Act   Do you have a denied DIC claim? Before 2017, some Veterans claimed the VA’s attitude about disability claims was “deny until they die.” That idea is a bit melodramatic, but not entirely misplaced. Many disabled veterans waited several years for benefits to which they were entitled because of a service-related illness or injury. The Veteran Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act (AMA) substantially changed the landscape. Now, many veterans only wait a few weeks for their day in court.   This law changed the available appeal options. The…
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12 Jul 2022

Continuous Cohabitation and DIC Survivor Benefits

Denied DIC Benefits, Dependency and Indemnity Compensation, Veterans Disability, Veterans Disability Attorney, Veterans Disability Lawyer, Veterans Pension Benefit, Veterans' Appeals
Continuous Cohabitation and DIC Survivor Benefits Marriage vows are for better or for worse, and in most marriages, spouses experience plenty of good and bad. Traditionally, spouses live together throughout a marriage, known as cohabitation, though living apart is not as rare as it used to be. If the divorce rate is any indication, it is a safe assumption that many married couples go through periods of physical separation, breaking their continuous cohabitation. Separation gives both individuals time to cool off and think when things aren’t working out in a marriage. The Veterans Administration addresses continuous cohabitation – or, living…
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28 Jun 2022

Who Is Eligible For VA DIC Benefits For Survivors

Denied DIC Benefits, Dependency and Indemnity Compensation, Veterans Disability, Veterans Pension Benefit
Who is Eligible for VA DIC Benefits for Survivors?   The VA has DIC Benefits for survivors of fallen warriors, also referred to as Dependency and Indemnification Compensation. Nationwide, between 2004 and 2014, over 750,000 disabled veterans died while receiving compensation for a service-connected condition. A large percentage of those suffered premature death due to external causes, meaning a condition that was often connected to their service.   Losing a loved one is difficult no matter what, but in some instances, it can be financially damaging as well. VA disability benefits can exceed $3,200 per month for totally disabled veterans,…
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21 Jun 2022

What Constitutes a Service-Connected Death

Denied DIC Benefits, Dependency and Indemnity Compensation, Veterans Disability Lawyer, Veterans Pension Benefit, Veterans' Appeals
What Constitutes a Service-Connected Death?   If the VA attributes the death to a disability acquired or aggravated, in line of duty or service in the military then the VA may deem the expiration as a service-connected death. Surviving family members, mostly surviving spouses, of deceased disabled veterans could be eligible for a monetary benefit known as Dependency & Indemnity Compensation, more commonly known as DIC benefits. Two main requirements must be met. First, the applicant must have a qualifying relationship with the deceased veteran. Second, the veteran’s cause of death must be related to a service-connected disability. This article…
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29 Apr 2020

Denied DIC Benefits

Denied DIC Benefits
How To Reopen A VA Claim For Denied DIC Benefits? Have you been denied DIC benefits by the VA and wish to reopen your claim? Many people come to our office with this question. In a nutshell, they must file VA Form 0995 and present new, relevant evidence. But there is a bit more to it. Frequently, survivors of Veterans submit their Dependency Indemnity Compensation (DIC) claims with a minimum amount of evidence. Sometimes, they do little more than show they met the minimum qualifications. But the minimum amount of evidence usually does not produce a favorable outcome. For maximum…
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