By Attorney Dan Vu
Like the Aid and Attendance benefit, the Death and Indemnity Compensation is a commonly overlooked benefit from the VA that is paid to eligible survivors of a veteran. A surviving spouse can receive at least $1,195 a month, regardless of their income or assets. Congress mandated this program to compensate the dependents of veterans who died as a result of an injury or disease that otherwise would not have occurred if they had not served. The problem is that the rules governing when a veteran has died as a result of or aggravated by a service-related injury or disease is complex.
Here is an example. The surviving spouse of a Vietnam veteran, who died as a result of prostate cancer in 2012, may be entitled to the compensation if the veteran had served on the ground in Vietnam. The veteran's prostate cancer – even though it was diagnosed long after the Vietnam War – is presumed to be connected to the veteran's service. Prostate cancer is one of several diseases and conditions that are considered side-effects of Agent Orange that was widely used to de-foliate the jungles of Vietnam. Therefore, in this example, whether the surviving spouse knows it or not, he/she is entitled to be compensated at least $1,195 a month for the rest of their life.
If you need advice on whether you are an eligible survivor, need help filing a claim or if you have filed and need to appeal, contact a VA Accredited Attorney.











