The new rule directs the agency to award the higher of two eligible survivor benefits without developing both claims.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced a regulatory change altering how certain survivors’ benefit claims are processed that went into effect on February 23. Previously, the department was required to issue separate formal decisions for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) and Survivors’ Pension claims, even when applicants qualified for both, which often lengthened processing times. Under the new rule, the department will award whichever benefit provides the greater payment.
VA Secretary Doug Collins said, “This commonsense change streamlines the survivors claims process, reduces administrative burdens, and delivers quicker decisions to beneficiaries during challenging times.”
The compensation provides tax-free monthly payments to eligible surviving spouses, children, and parents of service members who died in the line of duty or veterans whose deaths were service-connected.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Secretary Collins to seek the Lord’s leading as he heads the Veterans Affairs Department.
- For VA officials as they administer the regulatory changes for surviving parents, spouses, and children of veterans whose deaths are service-related.
- For God’s comfort for military families navigating the loss of a loved one and seeking survivor benefits.
Sources: Department of Veterans Affairs
