What He Earned
The Surviving Spouse VA Claims Guide
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About this book
When a veteran dies, the benefits he earned do not all end with him. This book walks you through what Dependency and Indemnity Compensation is, the three paths to eligibility, the 10-year rule, how to file VA Form 21P-534EZ, the difference between DIC and pension, how to appeal a denial, and what other survivor benefits may apply. Your veteran earned this for you. This book puts the information in your hands.
The title says "he" because most readers are widows of male veterans. Every rule in the book applies the same way to any surviving spouse, including widowers and same-sex spouses.
Inside this book
- 1What DIC Is and Who Qualifies
- 2The 10-Year Rule: When Cause of Death Doesn't Matter
- 3Service Connection for Cause of Death: Filing When the Veteran Never Did
- 4How to File: VA Form 21P-534EZ Step by Step
- 5DIC vs. Pension: Understanding the Difference
- 6Appealing a DIC Denial
- 7Other Benefits for Surviving Spouses
The book points you to its free field guide, Filing a Surviving Spouse DIC Claim (a free download, no signup).
Pairs with
Free guides and worksheets need no signup and no book. Books and workbooks are coming soon.
Workbook · Coming soonSquared Away: The Final Handoff
Workbook · Coming soonThe Deadline Protector
Workbook · Coming soonThe Survivor and Caregiver Workbook
Workbook · Coming soonThe Survivor's Binder
Free guideFiling a Surviving Spouse DIC Claim
Free worksheetThe Frozen Record
Free worksheetThe Year That Does Not Move
Free worksheetTwo More Questions
Free worksheetWhere You Were
J. Erickson
Author, educator, former veteran service officer.
J. Erickson is a service-disabled Air Force veteran. He served as a military firefighter and as a veteran service officer, where he spent years walking veterans through the same claims process he writes about now. He holds an MBA and writes plain-language guides for veterans who want to understand the system without a translator.
Read more about the author