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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)

This is a curated selection, not every rule that might apply. References awaiting source or editorial review are omitted.

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