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Veteran Benefits: Useful Information for Surviving Spouse and Children

By Dominick Dina, MA, REALTOR®

Real Estate Broker/Owner with Christian Realty San Antonio 540730

August 18, 2008 05:10 AM

This is not a topic we want to discuss, however for those ActiveRainers who work with military personnel, this may be of use.

The Veterans Administration (VA) has a Dependency and Indemnity Compensation form (VA Form 21-534) to be used by the surviving family members after the death of a military member.

This form would be best used if filled out and held on file prior to the passing of the military member. The spouse and/or remaining minor, unmarried dependent children can then file it with the Veterans Administration.

This may provide the spouse and/or remaining minor, unmarried children with additional benefits (dollars) after the passing of the military member.

The complete run down on this topic is located on the VA website.

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Anonymous

Denise Soles

Although I agree it is important for military families to be aware of the DIC benefit, it is also important for them to know that it can take years to finally get this benefit. I fought the VA for 3 solid years for DIC after my husband, a Vietnam Era Veteran, died as the result of a VA hospital giving him ''inappropriate care''. I had all the information and proof but yet they fought me for 3 yrs. I think they was hoping I would give up and go away. But even tho I won it, and I am to receive this benefit till I die, the VA took it away from me after I won a Federal Tort Claim settlement. I will not receive my DIC now until my share of my settlement is paid back to the VA in full. Even tho the DIC was for ''inappropriate care'' and the Settlement was for ''wrongful death'' and the VA admitted they never believed he was ever sick in the 2 yrs he was a patient there. I feel this is wrong, I am basically paying back the VA for allowing my husband to die. I have an appeal in, has been in for 2 yrs now, and am told it will no doubt be another 2 yrs before it is even looked at. All the VA did was give me one lump sum of a benefit I won, so in reality they did not pay me a thing in the Tort Claim. I pray others do not have to fight as long as it took me.

Aug 18, 2008 12:08 PM

Dominick Dina, MA, REALTOR®

Christian Realty San Antonio - San Antonio, TX

GRI, e-PRO, TAHS, SFR, Notary Public

Denise: I am so sorry to hear of your troubles with the VA. While no system is perfect, it is shameful for folks to be treated in such a way. I trust you have had your senator and representative along side you during this terrible period.

Thanks so much for sharing. Best wishes and God bless.

Dominick

Aug 18, 2008 12:28 PM

Paul LeMay

Caretaker Property Services - Tulsa, OK

Dominic

The DIC is also available to spouses of disabled veterans who receive disability compensation and die as a result of their service related condition.

Aug 22, 2008 09:54 AM

Paul,

Thanks for your additional information...much appreciated.

It is unfortunate too many dependents do not know of all their entitlements regarding service related cause of death benefits.

Thanks again,

Aug 22, 2008 11:29 AM

Tim and Pam Cash

Crye-Leike (Sango) - Clarksville, TN

Real Estate Professionals - Clarksville TN

Dominick, very good information. I suppose I need to fill one out as well. Thanks for sharing

Aug 22, 2008 11:50 AM

Hey Tim and Pam:

Yes, it would be a good idea. One of the worst things we see in real estate is when someone dies intestate. Problems galore for the surviving family members. One of the most loving things we can do is take care of any and all paperwork or other arrangements before they are needed.

Aug 22, 2008 02:48 PM

Mary Jo Schaffer

Sweetheart Realty - Bandera, TX

Bandera Texas Real Estate

Dominick, As Bandera County's Veterans Service Officer, I see many spouses prior to the Veteran's death. I appreciate your suggestion to have them fill out the paperwork earlier. Good post!

Aug 22, 2008 03:22 PM

Mary Jo: Thank you! Glad to hear some validation of the point I was trying to make.

And thank you for taking care of the verterans and their families.

Aug 22, 2008 03:27 PM

Veteran Benefits: Useful Information for Surviving Spouse and Children

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Dominick Dina, MA, REALTOR®

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