Core Eligibility Requirements (Must Meet One)

Veteran died on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training, OR

Veteran died from a service-connected condition, OR

Veteran’s death was not service-connected, but they were:

Rated 100% disabled (VA) for at least 10 continuous years prior to death, OR

Rated 100% disabled from discharge for at least 5 years, OR

Former POW rated 100% for at least 1 year prior to death




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Service Connection Criteria

Cause of death must be:

Directly caused by a service-connected condition, OR

A condition that contributed substantially or materially to death, OR

A condition that accelerated death




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Surviving Spouse Requirements

Must be legally married to the veteran

Must meet one of the following:

Married at least 1 year, OR

Had a child with the veteran, OR

Married before discharge from service


Must not have remarried before age 57

(Remarriage after 57 = still eligible)




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Surviving Child Requirements

Must be:

Unmarried, AND

Under age 18, OR

18–23 and in school (approved institution), OR

Became permanently disabled before age 18




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Dependent Parent Requirements

Must be the biological, adoptive, or foster parent

Must meet income/net worth limits

Benefit is needs-based



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Evidence Requirements (What You Need to Prove)

Death Certificate

Service Records (DD-214)

Medical Evidence linking death to service (Nexus)

VA Rating Decisions (if applicable)

Marriage Certificate / Birth Certificates

Supporting statements (optional but helpful):

Buddy statements

Medical opinions (Nexus letters)




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Key VA Form

VA Form 21-534EZ

Used to apply for:

DIC

Survivors Pension

Accrued Benefits





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Additional Qualifiers for Higher Payments

Surviving spouse:

Has dependent children

Requires Aid & Attendance

Is Housebound




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Common Disqualifiers / Pitfalls

No proven service connection

Insufficient medical nexus evidence

Remarriage before age 57

Missing documentation

Claim filed without linking condition to cause of death



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Strategic Insight (Important)

The #1 approval factor = strong medical nexus

Death certificates often list immediate cause only → you must prove the underlying service-related condition

Even if not listed on the death certificate, a condition can still qualify if it contributed