What evidence should I gather?
Find VA manual guidance on records requests, lay statements, and how evidence is reviewed.
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VA dependents and survivor benefits
Browse VA manual guidance on dependency, relationship verification, award adjustments, and DIC.
Dependency questions during a veteran's lifetime and survivor-benefit questions have separate procedures. Use the labels below to find the relevant starting point, then read the section's full requirements and limits.
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- M21-1 VII.i.1.A
Relationship and dependency basics
Start with general information on relationship and dependency.
Official section: General Information on Relationship and Dependency
- M21-1 VII.i.1.B
Verifying a spouse or dependent
Find the guidance on marital status and the status of dependents.
Official section: Verification of Marital Status and the Status of Dependents
- M21-1 VII.i.1.C
Adjusting an award for dependents
Browse the procedures for dependency-related award adjustments.
Official section: Adjusting Awards for Dependents
- M21-1 XII.i.1.A
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
Start with the DIC overview rather than assuming survivor benefits follow the same rules as a veteran's claim.
Official section: Overview of Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
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Browse this topic →Which references cover my family?
Browse VA manual guidance on dependency, relationship verification, award adjustments, and DIC.
Browse this topic →Where can I learn about my effective date?
Locate current and historical VA effective-date guidance and related award-adjustment references.
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