Survivor Claims
Legal Help With Complex DIC and Survivor Claims
Surviving spouses, children, and certain dependents may qualify for monthly Dependency and Indemnity Compensation.
If a veteran died from a condition now recognized as presumptive under the PACT Act, their surviving spouse or eligible dependents may qualify for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC). Expanded eligibility may also support review of a previously denied claim.
What is DIC?
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation is a monthly tax-free benefit for eligible survivors of service members or veterans whose death is connected to military service.
Who may qualify
- Surviving spouses (with marriage and cohabitation requirements)
- Unmarried dependent children (typically under 18, or up to 23 if in school)
- Parents (parents' DIC is income-based)
How the PACT Act affects survivor claims
If a veteran died from a condition that is now presumptive, such as certain cancers added under the PACT Act, or hypertension/MGUS for Agent Orange-exposed veterans, survivors may be able to seek review of a previously denied DIC claim or file a new one.
See Agent Orange presumptives and burn pit presumptives.
What we can help with
- Reviewing whether the cause of death qualifies as service-connected
- Gathering death certificates, medical records, and military records
- Filing or appealing DIC and accrued benefits claims
Start your free survivor claim evaluation or call (202) 934-2954.
Last reviewed by Cross & York Editorial Team. Content reviewed against VA.gov and Federal Register sources.