LVL Web Site DIC Page

With over 15 years of experience, Lowry Veterans Law Ltd. specializes in assisting veterans' survivors in navigating the complexities of VA survivor benefits, including Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) and Survivors Pension. Their accredited attorneys are adept in handling cases from the VA regional office to the Board of Veterans' Appeals and the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.

Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC):

  • Definition: DIC is a tax-free monetary benefit for eligible survivors of military service members who died in the line of duty or survivors of veterans whose death resulted from a service-connected condition.

Eligibility for Surviving Spouses:

  • Marriage to a service member who died on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training, or

  • Legal marriage to the veteran before January 1, 1957, or

  • Marriage to the veteran within 15 years of military discharge when the service-connected condition began or was aggravated or

  • Marriage to the veteran for at least one year before their death, or

  • Having a child with the veteran, living continuously with the veteran until their death, and not being separated, or if separated, not being responsible for the separation.

  • Not currently remarried (with specific conditions for those who remarry after age 57).

Survivors Pension:

  • This is a tax-free monetary benefit for low-income, unmarried surviving spouses of veterans with wartime service.

  • The pay rate is variable, set by Congress, with a limitation under the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP)/Minimum Income Annuity (MIW) at $9,896.

Veterans' Disability Compensation vs. DIC:

  • Veterans' disability compensation ends with the veteran's death. The surviving spouse does not automatically receive a monthly benefit from VA. 

  • Surviving spouses must and should apply for DIC benefits if the veteran's death was service-connected.

The accredited attorneys at Lowry Veterans Law Ltd. are committed to guiding survivors through these complex benefits, ensuring they receive the rightful support and compensation they deserve.

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