In-Service Death and Former Prisoner of War (FPOW) Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) Claims

Overview

In This Section

This section contains the following topics:

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1. DIC and In-Service Death

Introduction

This topic contains information on in-service death, casualty assistance, and DIC, including

• determining whether an in-service death is service-connected (SC)
• when a rating decision is required for in-service death
• focus of the Casualty Assistance Program
• information required to process an in-service death claim, and
• verifying in-service death eligibility information.

Change Date

December 31, 2025

XII.i.1.C.1.a. Determining Whether an In-Service Death Is SC

Concede that death in service is service-connected (SC) unless a rating is required under M21-1, Part XII, Subpart i, 1.C.1.b. Cases in which service connection (SC) may be conceded include those in which

• death resulted from disease, armed conflict, or common accident during service, or
• the service person is missing or missing in action and death has been presumed by the service department.

Note: The authorization activity makes determinations in injury cases as to line of duty and misconduct.

References: For more information on determinations regarding

• character of discharge, see M21-1, Part X, Subpart iv, 1.A.1
• statutory bars to benefits, see M21-1, Part X, Subpart iv, 1.A.2
• former prisoner of war (FPOW), see M21-1, Part VIII, Subpart iv, 2.A, and
• willful misconduct and line of duty, see M21-1, Part X, Subpart iv, 1.C.

XII.i.1.C.1.b. When a Rating Decision Is Required for In-Service Death

A rating decision is required when death in service was the result of

• suicide, or
• disease or injury, if
• death occurs during the initial six months of active service, or
• there is reasonable probability of misconduct.

XII.i.1.C.1.c. Focus of the Casualty Assistance Program

The Casualty Assistance Program focuses on the survivors of active duty personnel who die in service.

Each designated regional office (RO) Casualty Assistance Coordinator (CAC) works closely with the appropriate military Casualty Assistance Officer (CAO) to expedite the processing of claims for benefits due to survivors.

Note: For information on casualty outreach assistance for survivors of service members who died during their active duty tour, to include insurance benefits, refer to M27-2, Part I, 2.

Important:

• Upon notification of DD Form 1300, Report of Casualty, via the Veterans Tracking Application system, the RO CAC will contact the identified military CAO to offer assistance. There should be no attempt to contact any survivor unless 30 days have passed since the death of the service member.
• For a complete list of CACs, go to the Casualty Assistance Program website.

XII.i.1.C.1.d. Information Required to Process an In-Service Death Claim

Processing of a claim for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) may begin based on receipt of the following documents:

• DD Form 1300, or
• Interim DD Form 1300, and
• VA Form 21P-534a, Application for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation by a Surviving Spouse or Child—In-Service Death Only.

Notes:

• Signed or unsigned copies of the DD Form 1300 may be accepted electronically from a service department.
• Initiate development for DD Form 1300 or interim DD Form 1300 if not received with the VA Form 21P-534a.

References: For information on

• the jurisdiction of in-service death claims, see M21-1, Part II, Subpart ii, 3.1.b, and
• in-service death claim labels for EP 130 and EP 140, see M21-4, Appendix C.

XII.i.1.C.1.e. Verifying In-Service Death Eligibility Information

Accept the marital history and/or dependency status reported on the DD Form 1300 or other Department of War report identifying the claimant as the spouse, child or parent of the deceased service member unless there is evidence to the contrary in any existing claims folder.

Attempt to resolve any discrepancy via telephone or through the CAO prior to award action.

Undertake written or telephone development when appropriate. Claims processors must ensure that appropriate language is used to relay gratitude for service and condolences for the loss of the service member in all communications.

2. DIC and FPOW

Introduction

This topic contains information on initial processing of claims by survivors of FPOWs, including

• identification and initial action on FPOW-related claims
• action to take when a notice of death (NOD) is accompanied by VA Form 21P-534EZ, Application for DIC, Survivors Pension, and/or Accrued Benefits, and
• action to taken when a NOD is not accompanied by VA Form 21P-534EZ.

Change Date

September 10, 2025

XII.i.1.C.2.a. Identification and Initial Action of FPOW-Related Claims

Review the electronic systems during the notice of death (NOD) processing. If the electronic systems indicate that the Veteran was an FPOW, take the following actions:

• notify the FPOW Coordinator via email of the existence of an FPOW-related claim
• upload a copy of the email to the Veteran’s electronic claims folder (eFolder), and
• add a POW flash to the corporate record and Veteran’s eFolder showing the Veteran was an FPOW.

References: For more information on

• priority processing of claims from FPOWs, see M21-1, Part X, Subpart i, 1.6, and
• the responsibilities of the FPOW Coordinator, see M27-2, Part I, 2.

XII.i.1.C.2.b. Action to Take When a NOD Is Accompanied by VA Form 21P-534EZ

If the NOD is accompanied by VA Form 21P-534EZ, Application for DIC, Survivors Pension, and/or Accrued Benefits, the FPOW Coordinator will review the claim and monitor it through all stages of the claims process.

XII.i.1.C.2.c. Action to Take When a NOD Is Not Accompanied by VA Form 21P-534EZ

If the NOD is not accompanied by VA Form 21P-534EZ, the FPOW Coordinator reviews the claims folder in an attempt to identify any survivor(s). If an eligible survivor exists, the coordinator will

• contact the survivor(s) by telephone
• complete a VA Form 21P-534EZ as fully as possible, using information in the claims folder and provided by the survivor(s)
• mail the incomplete application to the survivor(s) to complete, sign, and correct, if necessary, and
• annotate the Veteran's eFolder with the date the VA Form 21P-534EZ was sent to the survivor(s).