### Section F. Remarriage of a Surviving Spouse

#### Overview

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #          | > This section contains the following topics:           |
| #### In th |                                                         |
| is Section |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

  ----------- ---------------------------------------------- ------------
  Topic       Topic Name                                     See Page

  23          General Information on the Effect of a         3-F-2
              Surviving Spouse's Remarriage                  

  24          Conduct Warranting the Inference of the        3-F-8
              Remarriage of a Surviving Spouse               

  25          Suspending and Terminating Payments to a       3-F-14
              Surviving Spouse After Remarriage When No      
              Children Are Involved                          

  26          Processing Payments to Children After the      3-F-16
              Surviving Spouse's Remarriage                  

  27          Handling Improved Pension and DIC Cases        3-F-19
              Following the Remarriage of a Surviving Spouse 

  28          Handling Section 306 and Old Law Pension Cases 3-F-23
              Following the Remarriage of a Surviving Spouse 

  29          Action on Children's Awards Following the      3-F-24
              Remarriage of a Surviving Spouse               

  30          Effect of the Termination of a Surviving       3-F-27
              Spouse's Remarriage                            

  31          Termination of Surviving Spouse's Remarriage:  3-F-30
              Remarriage Alleged to Be Void                  

  32          Termination of Surviving Spouse's Remarriage:  3-F-31
              Remarriage Annulled                            

  33          Resumption of DIC Eligibility After            3-F-33
              Termination of Remarriage                      

  34          Resumption/Continuation of DIC Eligibility     3-F-38
              Based on Remarriage or After Age 57            
  ----------- ---------------------------------------------- ------------

#### 23. General Information on the Effect of a Surviving Spouse's Remarriage

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### In   | > This topic contains information on the effect of a    |
| troduction | > surviving spouse's remarriage on eligibility to       |
|            | > receive Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits. |
|            | > It includes information on                            |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   the provisions of 38 CFR 3.50 as they apply to a    |
|            |     surviving spouse                                    |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   acceptable evidence of remarriage                   |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   when to develop for the surviving spouse's new name |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   terminating benefits and processing a name change   |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   the effect of court judgments on marital            |
|            |     relationship issues                                 |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   eligibility for benefits under *Public Law (PL)     |
|            |     107-330* after remarriage                           |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   eligibility for benefits under *PL 108-183* after   |
|            |     remarriage, and                                     |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   handling requests for restoration or continuation   |
|            |     of benefits under *PL 108-183*.                     |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### C    | > November 16, 2006                                     |
| hange Date |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### a. P | > Under [38 CFR                                         |
| rovisions  | > 3.50](http://                                         |
| of 38 CFR  | www.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38CFR/BOOKB/PART3/S3_50.DOC), |
| 3.50 As Th | > in order to qualify as a surviving spouse for         |
| ey Apply t | > Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) purposes, a       |
| o a Surviv | > person *must* be unmarried. Therefore, a surviving    |
| ing Spouse | > spouse who remarries is no longer eligible to receive |
|  {#a.-prov | > VA benefits.                                          |
| isions-of- |                                                         |
| 38-cfr-3.5 | > ***Exceptions***:                                     |
| 0-as-they- |                                                         |
| apply-to-a | -   If a surviving spouse remarries after age 55,       |
| -surviving |     he/she may retain eligibility for certain VA        |
| -spouse .u |     benefits under *Public Law (PL) 107-330.*           |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
|            | -   If a surviving spouse remarries after age 57,       |
|            |     he/she may retain eligibility for certain VA        |
|            |     benefits under *PL 108-183*.                        |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > ***References***: For more information on             |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   eligibility for VA benefits under *PL 107-330* and  |
|            |     *PL 108-183* after remarriage, see M21-1MR, Part    |
|            |     IV, Subpart iii, 3.F.23.f and g.                    |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   the effective dates for discontinuing payments when |
|            |     the surviving spouse remarries, see [38 CFR         |
|            |     3.500(n)](http://w                                  |
|            | ww.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38CFR/BOOKB/PART3/S3_500.DOC), |
|            |     and                                                 |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   award procedures when the surviving spouse          |
|            |     remarries, see M21-1MR, Part IV, Subpart iii,       |
|            |     3.F.25 through 34.                                  |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

23\. General Information on the Effect of a Surviving Spouse's
Remarriage, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##         | > Under [38 CFR                                         |
| ### b. Acc | > 3.213(a)(2)](http://w                                 |
| eptable Ev | ww.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38CFR/BOOKB/PART3/S3_213.DOC), |
| idence of  | > to establish the fact and date of remarriage, accept  |
| Remarriage | > a surviving spouse beneficiary's statement as proof   |
|            | > of remarriage if it furnishes, at a minimum           |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   the month and year of a remarriage, and             |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   the present name, if the surviving spouse is a      |
|            |     widow.                                              |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > ***Note***: Formal proof is not required in the       |
|            | > absence of contradictory information in the claims    |
|            | > folder.                                               |
|            | >                                                       |
|            | > ***References***: For more information on             |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   proof of marriage, see [38 CFR                      |
|            |     3.205](http://                                      |
|            | www.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38CFR/BOOKB/PART3/S3_205.DOC) |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   handling contradictory proof of marriage, see [38   |
|            |     CFR                                                 |
|            |     3.213(c)](http://                                   |
|            | www.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38CFR/BOOKB/PART3/S3_213.DOC) |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   inferring remarriage, see M21-1MR, Part IV, Subpart |
|            |     iii, 3.F.24, and                                    |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   developing for remarriage, see M21-1MR, Part III,   |
|            |     Subpart iii, 5.B.                                   |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### c. W | > If the surviving spouse's new name is *not*           |
| hen to Dev | > available, develop for it only if                     |
| elop for t |                                                         |
| he Survivi | -   the surviving spouse has custody of the veteran\'s  |
| ng Spouse' |     child(ren)                                          |
| s New Name |                                                         |
|            | -   the surviving spouse remains eligible for VA        |
|            |     benefits, and/or                                    |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   an overpayment is involved.                         |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > ***Reference***: For more information on the action   |
|            | > to take when a name change is required, see M21-1MR,  |
|            | > Part IV, Subpart iii, 3.F.23.d.                       |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

23\. General Information on the Effect of a Surviving Spouse's
Remarriage, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### d.   | > Follow the steps in the table below if you are        |
|  Terminati | > terminating benefits and a name change is required.   |
| ng Benefit |                                                         |
| s and Proc |                                                         |
| essing a N |                                                         |
| ame Change |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| Step  | Action                                                       |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| 1     | Generate and print (GAP) a STOP transaction from the 406     |
|       | screen, but do *not* authorize the STOP transaction. (See    |
|       | M21-1MR, Part IV, Subpart iii, 3.F.25.c)                     |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| 2     | While the STOP transaction is pending, prepare and authorize |
|       | a change of name (CNAM) transaction to effect the changes in |
|       | the pending issue file (PIF) and master record for the       |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   person entitled, and                                     |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   address segments.                                        |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| 3     | Authorize the STOP transaction the day after authorizing the |
|       | CNAM transaction.                                            |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| > ***Notes***:                                                        |
|                                                                       |
| -   If a surviving spouse remarries and is no longer eligible for VA  |
|     benefits, discontinue payments effective the first of the month   |
|     during which the marriage occurred.                               |
|                                                                       |
| -   Because of the order of processing, the CNAM transaction          |
|     processes first, updating the address segment as well as changing |
|     the stub name of the person entitled, both in the master record   |
|     and the PIF (end product (EP) 130) for the STOP transaction       |
|     pending authorization.                                            |
|                                                                       |
| -   Follow check-intercept procedures as outlined in [M21-1, Part V,  |
|     Chapter                                                           |
|     12](http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/m21_1/part5/ch12.doc), if |
|     applicable.                                                       |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

23\. General Information on the Effect of a Surviving Spouse's
Remarriage, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #####      | > In death cases, a marital relationship may be         |
|  e. Effect | > established by a Federal court judgment in a suit in  |
|  of Court  | > which the U.S. was a party.                           |
| Judgments  | >                                                       |
| on Marital | > Follow the steps in the table below to determine      |
|  Relations | > entitlement of VA benefits when a court decision is   |
| hip Issues | > made as to whether a surviving spouse has remarried.  |
|            | >                                                       |
|            | > ***Reference***: For more information on the effect   |
|            | > of Federal court decisions, see [38 CFR               |
|            | > 3.214](http://w                                       |
|            | ww.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38CFR/BOOKB/PART3/S3_214.DOC). |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| Step  | Action                                                       |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| 1     | Follow the court's decision as to whether a surviving spouse |
|       | has remarried when determining entitlement to VA benefits,   |
|       | even though the court determination may relate to other      |
|       | benefits such as Social Security (SS) and Federal Employees' |
|       | Compensation.                                                |
|       |                                                              |
|       | ***Note***: It is immaterial whether the court's decision is |
|       | made after a trial at which evidence is presented, or if the |
|       | parties come to an agreement without trial, and the          |
|       | agreement is then adopted by the court and entered as the    |
|       | court's judgment.                                            |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| 2     | Determine whether death benefits should be paid, even if a   |
|       | court decides that a surviving spouse is not remarried.      |
|       |                                                              |
|       | ***Example***: A surviving spouse may nevertheless be barred |
|       | under [38 CFR                                                |
|       | 3.50(b)(2)](h                                                |
|       | ttp://www.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38CFR/BOOKB/PART3/S3_50.DOC) |
|       | from payment of death pension, compensation, or Dependency   |
|       | and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) by reason of having lived   |
|       | as the spouse of another (inferred marriage).                |
|       |                                                              |
|       | ***Reference***: For more information on inferred marriage,  |
|       | see M21-1MR, Part IV, Subpart iii, 3.F.24.                   |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

23\. General Information on the Effect of a Surviving Spouse's
Remarriage, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### f    | > Under *PL 107-330*, which was effective February 4,   |
| . Eligibil | > 2003, a surviving spouse who remarries after age 55   |
| ity for Be | > retains VA Civilian Health and Medical Program        |
| nefits Und | > (CHAMPVA) eligibility.                                |
| er PL 107- |                                                         |
| 330 After  | > ***Note***: *PL 107-330* is an exception to the       |
| Remarriage | > requirement that a surviving spouse must remain       |
|            | > unmarried in order to retain eligibility for VA       |
|            | > benefits.                                             |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > ***Reference***: For more information on CHAMPVA      |
|            | > eligibility, see M21-1MR, Part IX, Subpart i, 4.2.    |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### g    | > Under *PL 108-183*, which was effective January 1,    |
| . Eligibil | > 2004, a surviving spouse who remarries after age 57   |
| ity for Be | > retains eligibility for                               |
| nefits und |                                                         |
| er PL 108- | -   DIC                                                 |
| 183 After  |                                                         |
| Remarriage | -   VA home loans, and                                  |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   VA educational benefits.                            |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > ***Note***: *PL 108-183* is an exception to the       |
|            | > requirement that a surviving spouse must remain       |
|            | > unmarried in order to retain eligibility to VA        |
|            | > benefits.                                             |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##         | > A claim for restoration of benefits terminated due to |
| ### h. Han | > remarriage on or after age 57 must be submitted in    |
| dling Requ | > writing.                                              |
| ests for R | >                                                       |
| estoration | > Upon receipt of the request for restoration, follow   |
|  of Benefi | > the steps listed in M21-1MR, Part IV, Subpart iii,    |
| ts Under P | > 3.F.23.b.                                             |
| L 108-183  | >                                                       |
|            | > ***Notes***:                                          |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   A surviving spouse had until December 16, 2004, to  |
|            |     apply for reinstatement of benefits, if he/she      |
|            |     remarried                                           |
|            |                                                         |
|            | ```{=html}                                              |
|            | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   after age 57, and                                   |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   prior to December 16, 2003, which was the effective |
|            |     date of the enactment of *PL 108-183*.              |
|            |                                                         |
|            | ```{=html}                                              |
|            | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   Benefits restored under *PL 108-183* may not be     |
|            |     paid for any period prior to January 1, 2004.       |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > ***Reference***: For information on resuming benefits |
|            | > under *PL 108-183*, see M21-1MR, Part IV, Subpart     |
|            | > iii, 3.F.34.                                          |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

23\. General Information on the Effect of a Surviving Spouse's
Remarriage, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##         | > If a surviving spouse notifies VA of his/her          |
| ### i. Han | > remarriage on or after age 57, take the steps         |
| dling Requ | > described in the table below.                         |
| ests for C |                                                         |
| ontinuatio |                                                         |
| n of Benef |                                                         |
| its Under  |                                                         |
| PL 108-183 |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| Step  | Action                                                       |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| 1     | Send the survivor *VA Form 21-686c, Declaration of Status of |
|       | Dependents* to complete.                                     |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| 2     | Ask the survivor whether his/her current spouse is a veteran |
|       | (block 10 on *VA Form 21-686c*)*.*                           |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| 3     | If the current spouse is a veteran,                          |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   ask the survivor to                                      |
|       |                                                              |
|       | ```{=html}                                                   |
|       | <!-- -->                                                     |
|       | ```                                                          |
|       | -   provide the spouse's social security number or VA claim  |
|       |     number (block 11 on *VA Form 21-686c*)*,* and            |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   indicate whether the current spouse is receiving VA      |
|       |     benefits, and                                            |
|       |                                                              |
|       | ```{=html}                                                   |
|       | <!-- -->                                                     |
|       | ```                                                          |
|       | -   cross-reference the survivor's and current spouse's      |
|       |     claims folders, if necessary.                            |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
  ***Note***: Awards for remarried spouses under *PL 108-183* should be
  identified by input of special law code 27.

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------

#### 24. Conduct Warranting the Inference of the Remarriage of a Surviving Spouse {#conduct-warranting-the-inference-of-the-remarriage-of-a-surviving-spouse .unnumbered}

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### In   | > This topic contains information on conduct warranting |
| troduction | > an inference of a surviving spouse's remarriage. It   |
|            | > includes information on                               |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   the effect of the requirements in 38 CFR 3.50       |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   the community's perspective of a claimant's marital |
|            |     status                                              |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   the circumstances under which a remarriage may be   |
|            |     inferred                                            |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   holding out requirement                             |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   conduct terminated before entitlement date          |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   lifting of restrictions for DIC claims filed on or  |
|            |     after October 1, 1998                               |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   developing for inference of remarriage              |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   what may disprove an inference of marriage          |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   the preparation of administrative decisions when    |
|            |     the inference of remarriage is at issue, and        |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   award adjustment.                                   |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### C    | > November 16, 2006                                     |
| hange Date |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

24\. Conduct Warranting the Inference of the Remarriage of a Surviving
Spouse, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #####      | > [38 CFR                                               |
| a. Effect  | > 3.50(b)(2)](http:/                                    |
| of Require | /www.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38CFR/BOOKB/PART3/S3_50.DOC) |
| ments in 3 | > states that the claimant must be unmarried to receive |
| 8 CFR 3.50 | > death benefits as the surviving spouse of a deceased  |
|            | > veteran.                                              |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > [38 CFR                                               |
|            | > 3.50](http:/                                          |
|            | /www.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38CFR/BOOKB/PART3/S3_50.DOC) |
|            | > imposes the additional requirement that the claimant  |
|            | > not be living with a person of the opposite sex and   |
|            | > holding himself/herself out publicly as the spouse of |
|            | > that person.                                          |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > If the claimant is living with a person of the        |
|            | > opposite sex and is holding himself/herself out as    |
|            | > the spouse of that person, there is held to be an     |
|            | > inference of remarriage. Payment of death benefits is |
|            | > then barred under [38 CFR                             |
|            | > 3.50(b)](http://                                      |
|            | www.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38CFR/BOOKB/PART3/S3_50.DOC). |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > ***Exceptions***:                                     |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   If the claimant remarries after age 55, he/she may  |
|            |     retain eligibility for certain VA benefits under    |
|            |     *PL 107-330*.                                       |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   If a surviving spouse remarries on or after age 57, |
|            |     he/she may retain eligibility for certain VA        |
|            |     benefits under *PL 108-183*.                        |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > ***Reference***: For more information on              |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   eligibility for VA benefits under *PL 107-330* and  |
|            |     *PL 108-183* after remarriage, see M21-1MR, Part    |
|            |     IV, Subpart iii, 3.F.23.f and g, and                |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   DIC cases in which termination of remarriage        |
|            |     occurred after September 30, 1998, see M21-1MR,     |
|            |     Part IV, Subpart iii, 3.F.33.                       |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##         | > It is not necessary to establish that the claimant    |
| ### b. Com | > and his/her significant other were known generally    |
| munity's P | > throughout the community as husband and wife in order |
| erspective | > to invoke an inference of remarriage under [38 CFR    |
|  of Claima | > 3.50(b)](http://                                      |
| nt's Marit | www.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38CFR/BOOKB/PART3/S3_50.DOC). |
| al Status  |                                                         |
|            | > It is sufficient to establish there was a single      |
|            | > instance when the claimant and his/her significant    |
|            | > other held themselves out as husband and wife.        |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

24\. Conduct Warranting the Inference of the Remarriage of a Surviving
Spouse, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##         | > The table below describes circumstances under which a |
| ### c. Cir | > remarriage may be inferred and rulings on each        |
| cumstances | > circumstance.                                         |
|  Under Whi |                                                         |
| ch Remarri |                                                         |
| age May Be |                                                         |
|  Inferred  |                                                         |
| {#c.-circu |                                                         |
| mstances-u |                                                         |
| nder-which |                                                         |
| -remarriag |                                                         |
| e-may-be-i |                                                         |
| nferred .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------------------+---------------------------------------------+
| Circumstances          | Decisions                                   |
+------------------------+---------------------------------------------+
| States recognizing     | In most cases, conduct that would warrant   |
| common law marriages   | an inference of remarriage under [38 CFR    |
|                        | 3.50(b)](http://www.warms.v                 |
|                        | ba.va.gov/regs/38CFR/BOOKB/PART3/S3_50.DOC) |
|                        | is suffice to establish a common law        |
|                        | marriage under State law.                   |
|                        |                                             |
|                        | ***Reference***: For information on common  |
|                        | law marriages, see M21-1MR, Part III,       |
|                        | Subpart iii, 5.C.                           |
+------------------------+---------------------------------------------+
| States not recognizing | > [38 CFR                                   |
| common law marriages   | > 3.50(b)](http://www.warms.v               |
|                        | ba.va.gov/regs/38CFR/BOOKB/PART3/S3_50.DOC) |
|                        | > requires VA to deny benefits to a         |
|                        | > surviving spouse in States where the      |
|                        | > claimant is living as the spouse of       |
|                        | > another person but is not legally married |
|                        | > because the State does not recognize      |
|                        | > common law marriages.                     |
+------------------------+---------------------------------------------+
| Existence of           | > It is possible to infer remarriage for VA |
| impediment to marriage | > purposes even though a legal marriage     |
|                        | > (common law or otherwise) might be        |
|                        | > impossible because of the existence of an |
|                        | > impediment to marriage.                   |
|                        |                                             |
|                        | > ***Example***: A claimant might be living |
|                        | > with a married person and holding         |
|                        | > himself/herself out as the spouse of that |
|                        | > person. Although a legal marriage may not |
|                        | > be established under these circumstances  |
|                        | > because the other party is already        |
|                        | > married, benefits would still be barred   |
|                        | > under [38 CFR                             |
|                        | > 3.50(b)](http://www.warms.vb              |
|                        | a.va.gov/regs/38CFR/BOOKB/PART3/S3_50.DOC). |
+------------------------+---------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

24\. Conduct Warranting the Inference of the Remarriage of a Surviving
Spouse, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ####       | > Before benefits can be denied based on an inference   |
| # d. Holdi | > of remarriage, it must be established that            |
| ng Out Req |                                                         |
| uirement { | -   the claimant lived with another person, and         |
| #d.-holdin |                                                         |
| g-out-requ | -   held himself/herself out openly to the public as    |
| irement .u |     the spouse of the other person.                     |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
|            |     > ***Note***: Where there is **no** attempt to hold |
|            |     > himself/herself out as husband and wife,          |
|            |     > entitlement to benefits is not effected.          |
|            |                                                         |
|            |     > ***Example***: The claimant and a person of the   |
|            |     > opposite sex and live together openly. They have  |
|            |     > made no representations to the effect that they   |
|            |     > are married. The claimant's entitlement to        |
|            |     > benefits is not effected.                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##         | > Conduct warranting an inference of remarriage does    |
| ### e. Con | > not constitute a bar to benefits if the conduct       |
| duct Termi | > terminated before the date of entitlement to VA       |
| nated Befo | > benefits. Unless, the conduct warranted the           |
| re Entitle | > establishment of a common law marriage, VA benefits   |
| ment Date  | > cannot be paid until the marriage is dissolved.       |
| {#e.-condu |                                                         |
| ct-termina | > ***Reference***: For information on common law        |
| ted-before | > marriages, see M21-1MR, Part III, Subpart iii, 5.C.   |
| -entitleme |                                                         |
| nt-date .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #          | > The Veterans Benefits Act of 1998 (*PL 105-78*)       |
| #### f. Li | > provides that effective October 1, 1998, the bar to   |
| fting of R | > granting DIC benefits to remarried surviving spouses  |
| estriction | > does not apply if the surviving spouse ceases         |
| s for DIC  |                                                         |
| Claims Fil | -   living with another person, and                     |
| ed on or A |                                                         |
| fter Octob | -   holding himself/herself out openly to the public as |
| er 1, 1998 |     that person's spouse.                               |
|  {#f.-lift |                                                         |
| ing-of-res |     > ***Notes***:                                      |
| trictions- |                                                         |
| for-dic-cl | -   Resumption of benefits can only be made from        |
| aims-filed |     October 1, 1998, even if cessation of the           |
| -on-or-aft |     relationship occurred prior to this date.           |
| er-october |                                                         |
| -1-1998 .u | -   The provisions of [38 CFR                           |
| nnumbered} |     3.114(a)](http://                                   |
|            | www.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38CFR/BOOKB/PART3/S3_114.DOC) |
|            |     and [38 CFR                                         |
|            |     3.31](http:/                                        |
|            | /www.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38CFR/BOOKB/PART3/S3_31.DOC) |
|            |     apply to the commencement of the period of payment. |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

24\. Conduct Warranting the Inference of the Remarriage of a Surviving
Spouse, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ####       | > Follow the steps in the table below to develop for    |
| # g. Devel | > the inference of remarriage when specific information |
| oping for  | > is received from a reliable source that a claimant's  |
| Inference  | > conduct provides a reasonable basis for an inference  |
| of Remarri | > of marriage.                                          |
| age {#g.-d |                                                         |
| eveloping- |                                                         |
| for-infere |                                                         |
| nce-of-rem |                                                         |
| arriage .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| Step  | Action                                                       |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| 1     | Advise the claimant of the                                   |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   nature of the information received                       |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   effect of a finding that an inferred marital             |
|       |     relationship exists, and                                 |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   his/her right to                                         |
|       |                                                              |
|       | ```{=html}                                                   |
|       | <!-- -->                                                     |
|       | ```                                                          |
|       | -   furnish evidence                                         |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   have a personal hearing, and                             |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   be represented.                                          |
|       |                                                              |
|       | ***Note***: The claimant is entitled to know the name of the |
|       | source of the information. However, do not volunteer the     |
|       | name of the source of the information.                       |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| 2     | Concurrently, prepare a request for a field examination to   |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   obtain the claimant's statement about the alleged        |
|       |     marital relationship, and                                |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   secure any other evidence that may be necessary for a    |
|       |     determination as to whether or not entitlement is barred |
|       |     by an inference of remarriage.                           |
|       |                                                              |
|       | ***Reference***: For information on field examinations, see  |
|       | M21-1MR, Part III, Subpart vi, 8.7 (TBD) or [M21-1, Part     |
|       | III, Chapter                                                 |
|       | 8                                                            |
|       | ](http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/m21_1/part3/ch08.doc). |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| 3     | Ask the field examiner to determine a specific date from     |
|       | which any inferred marital relationship commenced.           |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

24\. Conduct Warranting the Inference of the Remarriage of a Surviving
Spouse, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### h. I | Infer the marriage unless the claimant establishes by a |
| nformation | preponderance of the evidence that he/she is            |
|  That May  |                                                         |
| Disprove I | -   not living with a person of the opposite sex, or    |
| nference o |                                                         |
| f Marriage | -   living with a person of the opposite sex but they   |
|            |     are not holding themselves out publicly as husband  |
|            |     and wife.                                           |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > ***Note***: The burden of proof shifts to the         |
|            | > claimant once credible evidence has been submitted    |
|            | > that the claimant has engaged in conduct warranting   |
|            | > an inference of remarriage.                           |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #####      | > If it is determined that a surviving spouse has       |
| i. Prepara | > engaged in conduct warranting an inference of         |
| tion of Ad | > remarriage, prepare a three-signature decision using  |
| ministrati | > the format in M21-1MR, Part III, Subpart v, 1.A.2.    |
| ve Decisio |                                                         |
| ns When th | > The Veterans Service Center Manager (VSCM) may        |
| e Inferenc | > delegate authority to approve the decision to         |
| e of Remar | > supervisors not lower than coaches/section chiefs.    |
| riage Is a |                                                         |
| t Issue {# |                                                         |
| i.-prepara |                                                         |
| tion-of-ad |                                                         |
| ministrati |                                                         |
| ve-decisio |                                                         |
| ns-when-th |                                                         |
| e-inferenc |                                                         |
| e-of-remar |                                                         |
| riage-is-a |                                                         |
| t-issue .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### j. A | > If the surviving spouse is in receipt of death        |
| ward Adjus | > pension or DIC, terminate the award under reason code |
| tment {#j. | > 15 effective the first day of the month in which the  |
| -award-adj | > relationship began.                                   |
| ustment .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} | > ***Reference***: For more information on award        |
|            | > adjustments, see [38 CFR                              |
|            | > 3.500(n)(3)](http://w                                 |
|            | ww.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38CFR/BOOKB/PART3/S3_500.DOC). |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

#### 25. Suspending and Terminating Payments to a Surviving Spouse After Remarriage When No Children Are Involved

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### In   | > This topic contains information on suspending and     |
| troduction | > terminating payments to a surviving spouse after      |
|            | > remarriage when no children are involved. It includes |
|            | > information on                                        |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   when to suspend benefits                            |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   how to suspend benefits                             |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   how to terminate benefits, and                      |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   notifying the surviving spouse.                     |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### C    | > December 13, 2005                                     |
| hange Date |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ###        | > Per [38 CFR                                           |
| ## a. When | > 3.213(b)](http://w                                    |
|  to Suspen | ww.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38CFR/BOOKB/PART3/S3_213.DOC), |
| d Benefits | > suspend an award to a surviving spouse if information |
|            | > is not of record regarding the                        |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   month and year of the remarriage, and/or            |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   remarried name in the types of cases described in   |
|            |     M21-1MR, Part IV, Subpart iii, 3.F.23.c.            |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##         | > Suspend benefits effective date last paid (DLP) using |
| ### b. How |                                                         |
|  to Suspen | -   a SUSP transaction, and                             |
| d Benefits |                                                         |
|            | -   reason code 15, Surviving Spouse Remarried          |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > Request any needed information regarding the          |
|            | > remarriage. Do not establish control for return of    |
|            | > the requested information.                            |
|            |                                                         |
|            | ***Notes***:                                            |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   In the absence of a reply at the end of a six-month |
|            |     suspense period, the surviving spouse's award is    |
|            |     automatically terminated as of the date of last     |
|            |     payment. *VA Form 20-6560,* *Notice of Benefit      |
|            |     Transaction* message code 616 will generate at the  |
|            |     time of termination per [M21-1, Part V, Chapter     |
|            |     19](htt                                             |
|            | p://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/m21_1/part5/ch19.doc). |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Application of due process procedures may be        |
|            |     required before suspension of payments per M21-1MR, |
|            |     Part I, 2.A.                                        |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

25\. Suspending and Terminating Payments to a Surviving Spouse After
Remarriage When No Children Are Involved, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ####       | > Use a STOP transaction to terminate benefits          |
| # c. How t | > effective the first day of the month of the           |
| o Terminat | > remarriage using reason code 15 per [38 CFR           |
| e Benefits | > 3.500(n)(1)](http://w                                 |
|            | ww.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38CFR/BOOKB/PART3/S3_500.DOC). |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### d.   | > When a surviving spouse's award is terminated, send   |
| Notifying  | > notice of the change to the surviving spouse whether  |
| the Surviv | > or not an adjustment is made under [38 CFR            |
| ing Spouse | > 3.657(b)(2)](http://w                                 |
|            | ww.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38CFR/BOOKB/PART3/S3_657.DOC). |
|            | >                                                       |
|            | > ***Reference***: See M21-1MR, Part IV, Subpart iii,   |
|            | > 3.F.23.d when name change is involved.                |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

#### 26. Processing Payments to Children After the Surviving Spouse's Remarriage

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### In   | > This topic contains information on processing         |
| troduction | > payments to children after the surviving spouse's     |
|            | > remarriage. It includes information on                |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   developing for a child's entitlement                |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   determining each child's entitlement                |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   handling apportioned awards                         |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   requesting information in pension or DIC cases      |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   determining children's entitlement in Old Law or    |
|            |     Section 306 Pension cases                           |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   determining continued entitlement to an             |
|            |     apportionment, and                                  |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   determining entitlement in DIC cases.               |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### C    | > December 13, 2005                                     |
| hange Date |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #####      | > If there are children entitled to benefits or         |
|  a. Develo | > increased benefits in their own right due to          |
| ping for a | > remarriage of a surviving spouse, and complete        |
|  Child's E | > information on the surviving spouse's remarriage is   |
| ntitlement | > not of record,                                        |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   suspend benefits effective DLP using                |
|            |                                                         |
|            | ```{=html}                                              |
|            | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   a SUSP transaction                                  |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   reason code 15, Surviving Spouse remarriage         |
|            |                                                         |
|            | ```{=html}                                              |
|            | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   establish a 60-day control, and                     |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   request necessary information concerning            |
|            |                                                         |
|            | ```{=html}                                              |
|            | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   the remarriage                                      |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   income for any children in custody in pension       |
|            |     cases, and/or                                       |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   the whereabouts of the surviving spouse from        |
|            |     persons having custody of the children.             |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > ***Reference***: For more information on the effect   |
|            | > of a spouse's remarriage, see                         |
|            | >                                                       |
|            | > M21-1MR, Part IV, Subpart iii, 3.F.23.                |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #####      | > Under [38 CFR                                         |
|  b. Determ | > 3.152(c)(4)](http://w                                 |
| ining Each | ww.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38CFR/BOOKB/PART3/S3_152.DOC), |
|  Child's E | > a claim is *not* required for any child               |
| ntitlement |                                                         |
|            | -   for whom payments are being made under a separate   |
|            |     award (including an award in suspense), or          |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   who was included in the surviving spouse's claim.   |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

26\. Processing Payments to Children After the Surviving Spouse's
Remarriage, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #####      | > When suspending payments to the surviving spouse      |
| c. Handlin |                                                         |
| g Apportio | -   do *not* change                                     |
| ned Awards |                                                         |
|            | ```{=html}                                              |
|            | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   apportioned pension and death compensation awards   |
|            |     to any children                                     |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   separate Improved Pension awards to children out of |
|            |     custody, or                                         |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   DIC awards to children over age 18, and             |
|            |                                                         |
|            | ```{=html}                                              |
|            | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   do not automatically suspend the awards for         |
|            |     children out of custody, or over 18 in school;      |
|            |     these children are getting benefits in their own    |
|            |     right.                                              |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > ***Reference***: For more information on requesting   |
|            | > information in pension or DIC cases, see M21-1MR,     |
|            | > Part IV, Subpart iii, 3.F.26.d.                       |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #####      | > Request the following information to be submitted     |
|  d. Reques | > within 60 days:                                       |
| ting Infor |                                                         |
| mation in  | -   in pension cases, request an income statement if    |
| Pension or |     current income information is not of record         |
|  DIC Cases |                                                         |
|            | -   in DIC cases, request a claim on *VA Form 21-534,*  |
|            |     *Application for Dependency and Indemnity           |
|            |     Compensation, Death Pension and Accrued Benefits by |
|            |     a Surviving Spouse or Child (Including Death        |
|            |     Compensation if Applicable)* when required under    |
|            |     [38 CFR                                             |
|            |     3.152(c)](http://w                                  |
|            | ww.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38CFR/BOOKB/PART3/S3_152.DOC). |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > If the information is *not* submitted within 60 days, |
|            | > suspend payments DLP.                                 |
|            | >                                                       |
|            | > If the information is submitted within one year of    |
|            | > request, take action, if otherwise in order and       |
|            | > subject to action as described in M21-1MR, Part IV,   |
|            | > Subpart iii, 3.F.26 and 27, to authorize the full     |
|            | > rates payable to children.                            |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

26\. Processing Payments to Children After the Surviving Spouse's
Remarriage, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #####      | > In Old Law and Section 306 Pension cases, the         |
|  e. Determ | > entitlement of children in custody is limited to      |
| ining Chil | > Improved Pension.                                     |
| dren's Ent | >                                                       |
| itlement i | > ***References***: For more information on Section 306 |
| n Old Law  | > and Old Law Pension, see M21-1MR, Part V, Subpart     |
| or Section | > iii, 1.C (TBD) or [M21-1, Part IV, Chapter            |
|  306 Cases | > 16](htt                                               |
|            | p://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/m21_1/part4/ch16.doc). |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##         | > Termination of a surviving spouse's entitlement to    |
| ### f. Det | > Old Law or Section 306 Pension does *not* deprive a   |
| ermining C | > child, who is not in the surviving spouse's custody,  |
| ontinued E | > of continued entitlement at the same rate of payment  |
| ntitlement | > he/she was receiving as an apportionment.             |
|  to an App | >                                                       |
| ortionment | > An award of Improved Pension may be more advantageous |
|            | > to the child, and he/she has the right to elect this  |
|            | > benefit over Old Law or Section 306 Pension.          |
|            | >                                                       |
|            | > If paying the protected apportioned rate,             |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   use                                                 |
|            |                                                         |
|            | ```{=html}                                              |
|            | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   special law (SL) code 10, and                       |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   the Old Law or Section 306 Pension entitlement      |
|            |     code, and                                           |
|            |                                                         |
|            | ```{=html}                                              |
|            | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   submit a copy of the award to the Compensation and  |
|            |     Pension Service (212A).                             |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #####      | > In DIC cases, when the child's entitlement arises     |
|  g. Determ | > because the surviving spouse's entitlement has been   |
| ining Enti | > terminated, withhold benefits under [38 CFR           |
| tlement in | > 3.107](http://                                        |
|  DIC Cases | www.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38CFR/BOOKB/PART3/S3_107.DOC) |
|            | > for any additional child that may be payable when a   |
|            | > claim is filed within one year of the date that the   |
|            | > child's entitlement arose.                            |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

#### 27. Handling Improved Pension and DIC Cases Following the Remarriage of a Surviving Spouse

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### In   | > This topic contains information on handling Improved  |
| troduction | > Pension and DIC cases following the remarriage of a   |
|            | > surviving spouse. It includes                         |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   information on handling an overpayment              |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   information on the appropriate award action in      |
|            |     Improved Pension and DIC cases, and                 |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   an example of action taken on a remarried surviving |
|            |     spouse's award.                                     |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### C    | > December 13, 2005                                     |
| hange Date |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##         | > If there are children entitled to benefits and        |
| ### a. Han | > acceptable notice of remarriage has been received too |
| dling an O | > late to avoid creation of an overpayment              |
| verpayment |                                                         |
|            | -   suspend the surviving spouse's award DLP            |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   follow the check-intercept procedure in [M21-1,     |
|            |     Part V, Chapter                                     |
|            |     12](htt                                             |
|            | p://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/m21_1/part5/ch12.doc). |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   maintain a 30-day control, and                      |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   determine DLP by checking the Benefits Delivery     |
|            |     Network (BDN) following the next processing cycle.  |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > If DLP is of record, apply the provisions of [38 CFR  |
|            | > 3.657(b)(2)](http://                                  |
|            | www.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38CFR/BOOKB/PART3/S3_657.DOC) |
|            | > to reduce or eliminate the overpayment.               |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > ***Exception***: If a surviving spouse remarries      |
|            | > after age 57, he/she may retain eligibility for       |
|            | > certain VA benefits under *PL 108-183*. No            |
|            | > overpayment is created in these cases, since          |
|            | > entitlement continues to exist.                       |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > ***Reference***: For more information about Improved  |
|            | > Pension see M21-1MR, Part V, Subpart iii, 1.F (TBD)   |
|            | > or [M21-1, Part IV, Chapter                           |
|            | > 16](htt                                               |
|            | p://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/m21_1/part4/ch16.doc). |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

27\. Handling Improved Pension and DIC Cases Following the Remarriage of
a Surviving Spouse, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### b    | > Follow the steps in the table below to determine the  |
| . Appropri | > appropriate award action in Improved Pension and DIC  |
| ate Award  | > cases.                                                |
| Action in  |                                                         |
| Improved P |                                                         |
| ension and |                                                         |
|  DIC Cases |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

  -------- ------------- -------------------------- ------------------------------- --
  Step     Action                                                                   

  1        Use the table                                                            
           below to                                                                 
           determine the                                                            
           appropriate                                                              
           award action                                                             
           depending on                                                             
           payment rate.                                                            

                         If the surviving spouse    **Then** **...**                
                         received payment at a rate                                 
                         ...                                                        

                         in excess of that payable  amend the payee 10 award to     
                         to the child or children   authorize only the rate to      
                         in custody in their own    which such child or children    
                         right                      would be entitled from the      
                                                    first day of the month of       
                                                    remarriage to the DLP.          

                         less than that payable to  discontinue the award by STOP   
                         the child or children in   action effective the date of    
                         custody                    last payment in the payee 10    
                                                    award.                          

                                                                                    
  -------- ------------- -------------------------- ------------------------------- --

Continued on next page

27\. Handling Improved Pension and DIC Cases Following the Remarriage of
a Surviving Spouse, Continued

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
  b\. Appropriate Award Action in Improved Pension and DIC Cases
  (continued)

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------

+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| Step  | Action                                                       |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| 2     | Prepare amended awards to the surviving spouse               |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   use reason code 15 for                                   |
|       |                                                              |
|       | ```{=html}                                                   |
|       | <!-- -->                                                     |
|       | ```                                                          |
|       | -   child(ren) only rate, and                                |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   the termination line                                     |
|       |                                                              |
|       | ```{=html}                                                   |
|       | <!-- -->                                                     |
|       | ```                                                          |
|       | -   concisely state the reason for the adjustment in the     |
|       |     Remarks section.                                         |
|       |                                                              |
|       | ***Example***: The following statement is sufficient for the |
|       | Remarks section: "*Surviving spouse remarried                |
|       | ([date]{.underline}), DLP ([date]{.underline})*." Include    |
|       | additional remarks if other retroactive adjustments, not     |
|       | related to the remarriage, were taken.                       |
|       |                                                              |
|       | ***Note***: To reflect the rate payable for the child(ren),  |
|       | use the 80 series dependency codes for each rate change line |
|       | per [M21-1, Part V, Chapter                                  |
|       | 6](http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/m21_1/part5/ch6.doc). |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

27\. Handling Improved Pension and DIC Cases Following the Remarriage of
a Surviving Spouse, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### c.   | > ***Situation***:                                      |
|  Example:  |                                                         |
| Action Tak | -   The surviving spouse                                |
| en on Rema |                                                         |
| rried Surv | ```{=html}                                              |
| iving Spou | <!-- -->                                                |
| se's Award | ```                                                     |
|            | -   has three children in her custody                   |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   is receiving Improved Pension of \$724 per month,   |
|            |     and                                                 |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   remarried May 15, 1991.                             |
|            |                                                         |
|            | ```{=html}                                              |
|            | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   The DLP is July 1, 1991.                            |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Assume no income for the surviving spouse,          |
|            |     stepparent, or any of the children.                 |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > ***Result***:                                         |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Per [38 CFR                                         |
|            |     3.850(c)](http://w                                  |
|            | ww.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38CFR/BOOKB/PART3/S3_850.DOC), |
|            |     the consolidated award                              |
|            |                                                         |
|            | ```{=html}                                              |
|            | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   is effective July 1, 1991, for the children, and    |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   results in a payment of \$303 monthly to the        |
|            |     remarried surviving spouse as custodian of the      |
|            |     children.                                           |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > The 403 screen below shows action taken on the        |
|            | > surviving spouse's award.                             |
|            | >                                                       |
|            | > ![](media/image1.wmf){width="5.213888888888889in"     |
|            | > height="1.8569444444444445in"}                        |
|            | >                                                       |
|            | > ***Note***: Use a locally-generated letter to explain |
|            | > the action taken.                                     |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

#### 28. Handling Section 306 and Old Law Pension Cases Following the Remarriage of a Surviving Spouse

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### C    | > December 13, 2005                                     |
| hange Date |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### a.   | > Take the appropriate award action in Section 306 and  |
|  Appropria | > Old Law Pension cases as described in M21-1MR, Part   |
| te Action  | > IV, Subpart iii, 3.F.26.                              |
| in Section | >                                                       |
|  306 and O | > If additional information regarding appropriate       |
| ld Law Pen | > action in Section 306 and Old Law Pension cases after |
| sion Cases | > the remarriage of the surviving spouse is needed,     |
|            | > please contact C&P Service by e-mail                  |
|            | > VAVBAWAS/CO/212A.                                     |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

#### 29. Action on Children's Awards Following the Remarriage of a Surviving Spouse

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### In   | > This topic contains describes the action taken on     |
| troduction | > children's awards following the remarriage of a       |
|            | > surviving spouse. It includes information on          |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   determining the children's entitlement to Improved  |
|            |     Pension                                             |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   determining the child's award rate and effective    |
|            |     date                                                |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   amending child apportionee awards, and              |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   terminating the surviving spouse's award.           |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### C    | > December 13, 2005                                     |
| hange Date |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ###        | > For children in the surviving spouse's custody, use   |
| ## a. Dete | > the income of the surviving spouse and stepparent to  |
| rmining Ch | > determine the children's entitlement to Improved      |
| ildren's E | > Pension.                                              |
| ligibility |                                                         |
|  to Improv |                                                         |
| ed Pension |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##         | > Use the table below to determine the children's award |
| ### b. Det | > rate and effective date.                              |
| ermining t |                                                         |
| he Child's |                                                         |
|  Award Rat |                                                         |
| e and Effe |                                                         |
| ctive Date |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+---------------------------+------------------------------------------+
| If ...                    | Then pay the children ...                |
+---------------------------+------------------------------------------+
| the surviving spouse's    | > at the children's only rate, effective |
| award was adjusted to     | > the date the surviving spouse's award  |
| reduce an overpayment     | > terminated.                            |
+---------------------------+------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

29\. Action on Children's Awards Following the Remarriage of a Surviving
Spouse, Continued

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
  b\. Determining the Child's Award Rate and Effective Date (continued)

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------

+---------------------------+------------------------------------------+
| If ...                    | Then pay the children ...                |
+---------------------------+------------------------------------------+
| the surviving spouse's    | -   effective the first day of the month |
| award was terminated by a |     of the surviving spouse's remarriage |
| STOP action               |                                          |
|                           | -   at the old rate that was payable for |
|                           |     the spouse and children in custody   |
|                           |     for the month of remarriage, and     |
|                           |                                          |
|                           | -   increased to the rate payable for    |
|                           |     children only from the first day of  |
|                           |     the month following remarriage,      |
|                           |     subject to prior payments.           |
|                           |                                          |
|                           | ***Note***: These procedures are         |
|                           | effective October 1, 1982. The           |
|                           | provisions of [38 CFR                    |
|                           | 3.31](http://www.warms.vba.              |
|                           | va.gov/regs/38CFR/BOOKB/PART3/S3_31.DOC) |
|                           | apply because there has been an increase |
|                           | in the total benefits payable.           |
+---------------------------+------------------------------------------+
| the rate payable for      | effective the first day of the month of  |
| children is less than the | remarriage.                              |
| amount previously paid    |                                          |
| for the spouse and        |                                          |
| children                  |                                          |
+---------------------------+------------------------------------------+
| the rate payable for      | at the                                   |
| children is greater than  |                                          |
| the amount previously     | -   old rate payable for spouse and      |
| paid for the spouse and   |     child(ren), effective the first day  |
| children                  |     of the month of remarriage, and      |
|                           |                                          |
|                           | -   rate payable for a child(ren) only,  |
|                           |     effective the first day of the month |
|                           |     *following* remarriage               |
+---------------------------+------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##         | > Amend all child apportionee awards as follows:        |
| ### c. Ame |                                                         |
| nding Chil | -   use reason code 40, Adjustment, Child               |
| d Apportio |     Award-Surviving Spouse's Entitlement Terminated,    |
| nee Awards |     for all awards, and                                 |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   use reason code 00 for any original or reopened     |
|            |     award to children whose entitlement is established  |
|            |     because of the remarriage of a surviving spouse.    |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

29\. Action on Children's Awards Following the Remarriage of a Surviving
Spouse, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### d.   | > If no overpayment to the surviving spouse exists,     |
| Terminatin | > terminate the surviving spouse's award effective the  |
| g the Surv | > first day of the month of remarriage.                 |
| iving Spou |                                                         |
| se's Award |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

#### 30. Effect of the Termination of a Surviving Spouse's Remarriage

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### In   | > This topic contains information on the effect of the  |
| troduction | > termination of a surviving spouse's remarriage. It    |
|            | > includes information on                               |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   the general considerations for reinstatement of     |
|            |     benefits after remarriage                           |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   consideration of termination prior to November 1,   |
|            |     1990                                                |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   the provisions of *PL 102-86* and *PL 102-568*      |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   reestablishment of eligibility as a surviving       |
|            |     spouse                                              |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   determining when to develop for termination of a    |
|            |     legal marriage, and                                 |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   development for termination of a legal marriage.    |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### C    | > November 16, 2006                                     |
| hange Date |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### a.   | > Before November 1, 1990, a surviving spouse who       |
|  General C | > remarried or engaged in conduct warranting an         |
| onsiderati | > inference of remarriage could establish surviving     |
| ons for Re | > spouse status if                                      |
| instatemen |                                                         |
| t of Benef | -   the subsequent marriage was terminated, annulled,   |
| its After  |     or declared void                                    |
| Remarriage |                                                         |
|            | -   court proceedings started before November 1, 1990,  |
|            |     or                                                  |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   the parties stopped living together in the case of  |
|            |     an inferred marriage.                               |
|            |                                                         |
|            | After October 31, 1990, *PL 101-508* and *PL 102-86*    |
|            | govern remarriages of surviving spouses, and the        |
|            | benefits of a surviving spouse or child cannot be       |
|            | restored after the marriage unless the marriage is      |
|            | annulled or determined to be void. Once an inference of |
|            | remarriage of a surviving spouse is established         |
|            | benefits cannot be restored if the relationship ends    |
|            |                                                         |
|            | ***Exception***: *PL 105-78* made it possible for a     |
|            | surviving spouse to establish DIC entitlement after     |
|            | termination of the remarriage.                          |
|            |                                                         |
|            | ***References***: For more information on               |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   conduct warranting inference of remarriage of a     |
|            |     surviving spouse, see M21-1MR, Part IV, Subpart     |
|            |     iii, 3.F.24                                         |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   reestablishing eligibility to benefits, see [38 CFR |
|            |     3.55](http://                                       |
|            | www.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38CFR/BOOKB/PART3/S3_55.DOC), |
|            |     and                                                 |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   reinstatement of DIC after termination of           |
|            |     remarriage, see M21-1MR, Part IV, Subpart iii,      |
|            |     3.F.33.                                             |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

30\. Effect of the Termination of a Surviving Spouse's Remarriage,
Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #####      | > *PL 101-508* provides that a surviving spouse         |
|  b. Consid | > claimant whose remarriage has been terminated by      |
| eration of | > divorce, death, or termination of conduct warranting  |
|  Terminati | > an inference of remarriage can be recognized as the   |
| on Prior t | > veteran's surviving spouse *only if* the termination  |
| o November | > of the remarriage took place before November 1, 1990. |
|  1, 1990 { |                                                         |
| #b.-consid | > ***Exception***: DIC may be reinstated after          |
| eration-of | > September 30, 1998. See M21-1MR, Part IV, Subpart     |
| -terminati | > iii, 3.F.33.                                          |
| on-prior-t |                                                         |
| o-november |                                                         |
| -1-1990 .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ####       | > *PL 102-86* amended the provision to prohibit         |
| # c. Provi | > reinstatement based upon date of remarriage or        |
| sions of P | > inference of remarriage instead of date of claim.     |
| L 102-86 a |                                                         |
| nd PL 102- | > Generally, reinstatement is barred if the remarriage  |
| 568 {#c.-p | > or inference of remarriage occurs after October 31,   |
| rovisions- | > 1990. *PL 102-568* amended this provision to exclude  |
| of-pl-102- | > its application to any formerly remarried surviving   |
| 86-and-pl- | > spouse for whom a legal proceeding to terminate an    |
| 102-568 .u | > existing marital relationship was started before      |
| nnumbered} | > November 1, 1990, if that proceeding directly         |
|            | > resulted in the termination of the marriage.          |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > Supporting evidence must be submitted showing that    |
|            | > the surviving spouse actually filed for divorce with  |
|            | > a court prior to November 1, 1990.                    |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##         | > A remarried surviving spouse whose subsequent         |
| ### d. Ree | > marriage is annulled or declared void can reestablish |
| stablishme | > eligibility as a surviving spouse.                    |
| nt of Elig |                                                         |
| ibility as | > This applies to both pension and DIC recipients.      |
|  a Survivi |                                                         |
| ng Spouse  |                                                         |
| {#d.-reest |                                                         |
| ablishment |                                                         |
| -of-eligib |                                                         |
| ility-as-a |                                                         |
| -surviving |                                                         |
| -spouse .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##         | > Initiate development for termination of a legal       |
| ### e. Det | > marriage only if                                      |
| ermining W |                                                         |
| hen to Dev | -   it is alleged that legal proceedings which resulted |
| elop for T |     directly in the termination of the marriage were    |
| ermination |     initiated prior to November 1, 1990                 |
|  of a Lega |                                                         |
| l Marriage | -   the marriage was actually terminated prior to       |
|            |     November 1, 1990, or                                |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   the marriage was annulled or void.                  |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

30\. Effect of the Termination of a Surviving Spouse's Remarriage,
Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##         | > Follow the steps in the table below to develop for    |
| ### f. Dev | > termination of a legal marriage.                      |
| elopment f |                                                         |
| or Termina | > ***Note***: Documentary proof of marriage dissolution |
| tion of a  | > is always required if the marriage occurred after the |
| Legal Marr | > veteran's death. Marriages occurring prior to the     |
| iage {#f.- | > claimant's marriage to the veteran do not have to be  |
| developmen | > supported by documentary evidence unless the evidence |
| t-for-term | > of record is inconsistent.                            |
| ination-of |                                                         |
| -a-legal-m |                                                         |
| arriage .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| Step  | Action                                                       |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| 1     | Request a statement about the claimant's marriages showing   |
|       | where, when, and how each one was dissolved.                 |
|       |                                                              |
|       | ***Note***: This information may be obtained by telephone.   |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| 2     | Request a statement of whether or not the claimant ever      |
|       | filed an application for or received VA benefits as the      |
|       | spouse or surviving spouse of another veteran.               |
|       |                                                              |
|       | ***Note***: If the claimant is receiving VA benefits as the  |
|       | surviving spouse of another veteran, the claimant *must*     |
|       | provide the name of that veteran.                            |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| 3     | Did the claimant receive VA benefits as the spouse or        |
|       | surviving spouse of another veteran?                         |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   If *yes*, show the                                       |
|       |                                                              |
|       | ```{=html}                                                   |
|       | <!-- -->                                                     |
|       | ```                                                          |
|       | -   name of the other veteran, and                           |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   VA claim number.                                         |
|       |                                                              |
|       | ```{=html}                                                   |
|       | <!-- -->                                                     |
|       | ```                                                          |
|       | -   If *no*, go to Step 4.                                   |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| 4     | Request the following as proof of termination of each        |
|       | marriage occurring after the date of the veteran's death: a  |
|       | copy of the                                                  |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   final decree of divorce or annulment, or                 |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   public record of death.                                  |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| > ***Reference***: For more information on the documents required,    |
| > see                                                                 |
|                                                                       |
| -   M21-1MR, Part III, Subpart iii, 5.B.10, and                       |
|                                                                       |
| -   [38 CFR                                                           |
|     3                                                                 |
| .204.](http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38CFR/BOOKB/PART3/S3_204.DOC) |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

#### 31. Termination of Surviving Spouse's Remarriage: Remarriage Alleged to Be Void {#termination-of-surviving-spouses-remarriage-remarriage-alleged-to-be-void .unnumbered}

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### In   | > This topic contains information on procedures to      |
| troduction | > follow if a surviving spouse's remarriage may be      |
|            | > void.                                                 |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### C    | > November 16, 2006                                     |
| hange Date |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##         | > Follow the steps in the table below if the claimant   |
| ### a. Pro | > alleges that a marriage barring entitlement to VA     |
| cedure Whe | > benefits is void.                                     |
| n Remarria |                                                         |
| ge Is Alle |                                                         |
| ged to Be  |                                                         |
| Void {#a.- |                                                         |
| procedure- |                                                         |
| when-remar |                                                         |
| riage-is-a |                                                         |
| lleged-to- |                                                         |
| be-void .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| Step  | Action                                                       |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| 1     | Fully develop the facts surrounding the alleged void         |
|       | marriage.                                                    |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| 2     | If possible, obtain certified statements from the parties to |
|       | the marriage.                                                |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| 3     | After complete development, submit the case to Regional      |
|       | Counsel for a legal opinion as to whether or not the         |
|       | marriage is void.                                            |
|       |                                                              |
|       | ***Note***: Regional Counsel makes the determination. No     |
|       | administrative decision is required.                         |
|       |                                                              |
|       | ***Reference***: For information on jurisdiction over        |
|       | determinations, see M21-1MR, Part III, Subpart iii, 5.A.3.   |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| 4     | If Regional Counsel determines that the remarriage is void,  |
|       | establish entitlement, if otherwise in order, effective the  |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   date cohabitation ceased, or                             |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   date VA receives the claim, whichever is later.          |
|       |                                                              |
|       |     > ***Reference***: For more information on effective     |
|       |     > dates for void marriages, see [38 CFR                  |
|       |     > 3.400(v)(1)](htt                                       |
|       | p://www.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38CFR/BOOKB/PART3/S3_400.DOC). |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+

#### 32. Termination of Surviving Spouse's Remarriage: Remarriage Annulled {#termination-of-surviving-spouses-remarriage-remarriage-annulled .unnumbered}

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### In   | > This topic contains information on the termination of |
| troduction | > a surviving spouse's remarriage when the remarriage   |
|            | > is annulled. It includes information on               |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   the procedure to follow if a claimant alleges that  |
|            |     a marriage barring entitlement to VA benefits is    |
|            |     annulled                                            |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   fraudulent annulments, and                          |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   judicial decrees of annulment.                      |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### C    | > November 16, 2006                                     |
| hange Date |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##         | > Follow the steps in the table below if the surviving  |
| ### a. Pro | > spouse alleges that the remarriage has been annulled. |
| cedure Whe |                                                         |
| n Remarria |                                                         |
| ge Is Annu |                                                         |
| lled {#a.- |                                                         |
| procedure- |                                                         |
| when-remar |                                                         |
| riage-is-a |                                                         |
| nnulled .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| Step  | Action                                                       |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| 1     | Request a copy of the court decree of annulment.             |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| 2     | Is there any evidence of fraud in obtaining the annulment?   |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   If *yes*, go to Step 3.                                  |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   If *no*, accept the annulment decree as evidence of      |
|       |     termination of the remarriage. An administrative         |
|       |     decision is not required.                                |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| 3     | Initiate full development if there is evidence of fraud. As  |
|       | part of this development, request                            |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   copies of the petition to the court for annulment        |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   the court's response, and                                |
|       |                                                              |
|       | -   a transcript of the testimony.                           |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+
| 4     | Questions as to whether or not the decree was obtained       |
|       | through fraud are mixed questions of fact and law. For this  |
|       | reason, after development, submit questions to Regional      |
|       | Counsel for an opinion as to the legal effect.               |
+-------+--------------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

32\. Termination of Surviving Spouse's Remarriage: Remarriage Annulled,
Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### b.   | A finding that an annulment was fraudulently obtained   |
|  Fraudulen | renders it invalid for VA purposes.                     |
| t Annulmen |                                                         |
| t {#b.-fra | If the Regional Counsel opinion indicates that fraud    |
| udulent-an | was involved in obtaining an annulment, prepare a       |
| nulment .u | three-signature administrative decision using the       |
| nnumbered} | format in M21-1MR, Part III, Subpart v, 1.A.2. The      |
|            | issue is "marital status of claimant."                  |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > The VSCM may delegate authority to approve the        |
|            | > decision to supervisors not lower than                |
|            | > coaches/section chiefs.                               |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ####       | > When a judicial decree of annulment is accepted as    |
| # c. Judic | > proof of termination of remarriage, the effective     |
| ial Decree | > date of an award of benefits is the date the decree   |
|  of Annulm | > became final if the claim is filed within one year of |
| ent {#c.-j | > that date.                                            |
| udicial-de |                                                         |
| cree-of-an | > In all other cases, entitlement is based on the date  |
| nulment .u | > VA receives the claim.                                |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
|            | > ***Reference***: For more information on judicial     |
|            | > decrees of annulment, see [38 CFR                     |
|            | > 3.400(v)(2)](http://w                                 |
|            | ww.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38CFR/BOOKB/PART3/S3_400.DOC). |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

#### 33. Resumption of DIC Eligibility After Termination of Remarriage {#resumption-of-dic-eligibility-after-termination-of-remarriage .unnumbered}

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### In   | > This topic contains information on the resumption of  |
| troduction | > DIC eligibility after termination of remarriage. It   |
|            | > includes information on                               |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   the resumption of DIC eligibility after termination |
|            |     of remarriage                                       |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   development to establish required relationship      |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   payment dates for restored DIC                      |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   determination of appropriate payment dates          |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   selection of end product, special law code, and     |
|            |     reason code                                         |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   assessment of surviving spouse eligibility for DIC  |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   examples of surviving spouse's restored eligibility |
|            |     for DIC, and                                        |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   reinstatement of eligibility for other benefits     |
|            |     after November 30, 1999.                            |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### C    | > December 13, 2005                                     |
| hange Date |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### a. R | > Effective September 30, 1998, *PL 105-178*, Section   |
| esumption  | > 8207 made it possible for a surviving spouse to       |
| of DIC Eli | > establish DIC eligibility after termination of        |
| gibility A | > remarriage. Although in most instances Section 8207   |
| fter Termi | > permits "restoration" of DIC to an individual who had |
| nation of  | > been in receipt of DIC prior to remarriage, DIC may   |
| Remarriage | > be paid to an otherwise eligible claimant whose       |
|  {#a.-resu | > remarriage has terminated, regardless of whether the  |
| mption-of- | > claimant had previously received DIC.                 |
| dic-eligib |                                                         |
| ility-afte | > Therefore, after September 30, 1998 eligibility for   |
| r-terminat | > DIC (but not pension) is established in any case in   |
| ion-of-rem | > which the remarriage of the surviving spouse is       |
| arriage .u | > terminated by                                         |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
|            | -   death                                               |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   divorce, or                                         |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   annulment.                                          |
|            |                                                         |
|            |     > ***Reference***: For more information on the      |
|            |     > resumption of DIC eligibility after termination   |
|            |     > of remarriage, see [38 CFR                        |
|            |     > 3.55(a)(3)](http://                               |
|            | www.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38CFR/BOOKB/PART3/S3_55.DOC). |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

33\. Resumption of DIC Eligibility After Termination of Remarriage,
Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #####      | > Develop to establish the required relationship.       |
|  b. Develo | > Obtain the following required evidence:               |
| pment to E |                                                         |
| stablish R | -   a statement of all of the claimant's marriages,     |
| equired Re |     including where (city and state), when              |
| lationship |     (month/day/year) and how each marriage was          |
|            |     dissolved, and                                      |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   a statement as to whether the claimant has ever     |
|            |     filed an application or received VA benefits as a   |
|            |     spouse or surviving spouse of any other veteran     |
|            |     and, if so, the name and VA claim number of the     |
|            |     other veteran.                                      |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### c.   | > Although, the date of enactment of *PL 105-178*,      |
|  Payment D | > Section 8207 was June 9, 1998, no payment may be made |
| ates for R | > prior to October 1, 1998.                             |
| estored DI |                                                         |
| C {#c.-pay | > Therefore, taking into consideration [38 CFR          |
| ment-dates | > 3.31](http:/                                          |
| -for-resto | /www.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38CFR/BOOKB/PART3/S3_31.DOC) |
| red-dic .u | > and [38 CFR                                           |
| nnumbered} | > 3.114(a)](http://w                                    |
|            | ww.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38CFR/BOOKB/PART3/S3_114.DOC), |
|            | > awards for restored DIC entitlement *may* be resumed  |
|            | > with a payment date as early as, but no earlier than, |
|            | > October 1, 1998.                                      |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > ***References***: For more information on payment     |
|            | > dates for restored DIC, see                           |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   [38 CFR                                             |
|            |     3.31](http://                                       |
|            | www.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38CFR/BOOKB/PART3/S3_31.DOC), |
|            |     and                                                 |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   [38 CFR                                             |
|            |     3.114(a)](http://w                                  |
|            | ww.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38CFR/BOOKB/PART3/S3_114.DOC). |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##         | > The payment date is the first day of the month        |
| ### d. Det | > following the occurrence of the event that ended the  |
| ermination | > remarriage, but not earlier than October 1, 1998, if  |
|  of Approp | > a claim is filed within one year                      |
| riate Paym |                                                         |
| ent Dates  | -   after the date of death, or                         |
| {#d.-deter |                                                         |
| mination-o | -   of the date the divorce became final.               |
| f-appropri |                                                         |
| ate-paymen |                                                         |
| t-dates .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### e.   | > If the surviving spouse previously received DIC, use  |
|  Selection |                                                         |
|  of End Pr | -   end product 130                                     |
| oduct, Spe |                                                         |
| cial Law C | -   special law code 24 on all award lines, and         |
| ode, and R |                                                         |
| eason Code | -   reason code 60 on the first award line.             |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

33\. Resumption of DIC Eligibility After Termination of Remarriage,
Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #          | > The provisions of [38 CFR                             |
| #### f. As | > 3.114(a)](http://                                     |
| sessment o | www.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38CFR/BOOKB/PART3/S3_114.DOC) |
| f Survivin | > apply if                                              |
| g Spouse's |                                                         |
|  Eligibili | -   the surviving spouse is otherwise eligible for DIC, |
| ty for DIC |     and                                                 |
|  {#f.-asse |                                                         |
| ssment-of- | -   the remarriage has been terminated                  |
| surviving- |                                                         |
| spouses-el | > This means that a surviving spouse can have benefits  |
| igibility- | > restored with a payment date of October 1, 1998, or   |
| for-dic .u | > an effective date *one year prior* to the date of     |
| nnumbered} | > reopened claim (subject to [38 CFR                    |
|            | > 3.31](http://w                                        |
|            | ww.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38CFR/BOOKB/PART3/S3_31.DOC)), |
|            | > whichever is later.                                   |
|            | >                                                       |
|            | > ***Note***: Benefits may be restored with a payment   |
|            | > date of October 1, 1998 if                            |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   the remarriage was terminated as of June 9, 1998    |
|            |     (the liberalizing portion of the law), and          |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   the claim was received within one year of the law   |
|            |     change.                                             |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##         | > ***Situation***: The table below describes the        |
| ### g. Exa | > situation.                                            |
| mple 1: Su |                                                         |
| rviving Sp |                                                         |
| ouse's Eli |                                                         |
| gibility f |                                                         |
| or Restore |                                                         |
| d DIC {#g. |                                                         |
| -example-1 |                                                         |
| -surviving |                                                         |
| -spouses-e |                                                         |
| ligibility |                                                         |
| -for-resto |                                                         |
| red-dic .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

  --------------------- -------------------------------------------------
  Date                  Description

  February 1, 1992      DIC is terminated for a surviving spouse based on
                        her remarriage.

  May 7, 1997           The second spouse dies.

  November 15, 1998     The surviving spouse files a claim.
  --------------------- -------------------------------------------------

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| > ***Result***: The payment date of the restored DIC award is October |
| > 1, 1998. [38 CFR                                                    |
| > 3.1                                                                 |
| 14(a)](http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38CFR/BOOKB/PART3/S3_114.DOC) |
| > applies here because the surviving spouse met the requirements of   |
| > the liberalizing legislation on the date of enactment (June 9,      |
| > 1998).                                                              |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

33\. Resumption of DIC Eligibility After Termination of Remarriage,
Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##         | > ***Situation***: The table below describes the        |
| ### h. Exa | > situation.                                            |
| mple 2: Su |                                                         |
| rviving Sp |                                                         |
| ouse's Eli |                                                         |
| gibility f |                                                         |
| or Restore |                                                         |
| d DIC {#h. |                                                         |
| -example-2 |                                                         |
| -surviving |                                                         |
| -spouses-e |                                                         |
| ligibility |                                                         |
| -for-resto |                                                         |
| red-dic .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+----------------------+-----------------------------------------------+
| Date                 | Description                                   |
+----------------------+-----------------------------------------------+
| July 1, 1993         | DIC is terminated based on the surviving      |
|                      | spouse's remarriage                           |
+----------------------+-----------------------------------------------+
| November 5, 1998     | -   The remarriage ends.                      |
|                      |                                               |
|                      | -   The divorce becomes final.                |
+----------------------+-----------------------------------------------+
| January 15, 1999     | A claim for restored DIC entitlement is       |
|                      | received.                                     |
+----------------------+-----------------------------------------------+

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| > ***Result***:                                                       |
|                                                                       |
| -   The payment date of the restored DIC award is December 1, 1998.   |
|     (The effective date would be November 5, 1998, in accordance with |
|     [38 U.S.C.                                                        |
|     5110(1)](http://straylight.l                                      |
| aw.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode38/usc_sec_38_00005110----000-.html) |
|     and then subject to [38 CFR                                       |
|                                                                       |
| 3.31](http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38CFR/BOOKB/PART3/S3_31.DOC).) |
|                                                                       |
| -   Payment would be made from the first day of the month following   |
|     the date the divorce became final, or December 1, 1998.           |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##         | > ***Situation***: The table below describes the        |
| ### i. Exa | > situation.                                            |
| mple 3: Su |                                                         |
| rviving Sp |                                                         |
| ouse's Eli |                                                         |
| gibility f |                                                         |
| or Restore |                                                         |
| d DIC {#i. |                                                         |
| -example-3 |                                                         |
| -surviving |                                                         |
| -spouses-e |                                                         |
| ligibility |                                                         |
| -for-resto |                                                         |
| red-dic .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

  ----------------------- -----------------------------------------------
  Date                    Description

  August 1, 1994          DIC ends due to the surviving spouse's
                          remarriage.

  July 17, 1998           The marriage subsequently terminated by death.

  November 27, 1998       The claim for restored DIC is received.
  ----------------------- -----------------------------------------------

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| > ***Result***: The payment date of restored DIC benefits is October  |
| > 1, 1998 in accordance with [38 U.S.C.                               |
| > 5110(1)](http://straylight.la                                       |
| w.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode38/usc_sec_38_00005110----000-.html), |
| > and the earliest date permitted under *PL 105-178*, Section         |
| > 8207(b).                                                            |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

33\. Resumption of DIC Eligibility After Termination of Remarriage,
Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### j.   | > *PL 106-117*, Section 502, effective December 1,1999, |
| Reinstatem | > now permits entitlement to the following benefits for |
| ent of Eli | > a surviving spouse whose remarriage has been          |
| gibility f | > terminated by death, divorce, annulment, or cessation |
| or Other B | > of an inferred remarriage:                            |
| enefits Af |                                                         |
| ter Novemb | -   medical care under CHAMPVA                          |
| er 30, 199 |                                                         |
| 9 {#j.-rei | -   Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) under [38  |
| nstatement |     U.S.C. Chapter                                      |
| -of-eligib |     35](http://straylight.law.cornell.edu               |
| ility-for- | /uscode/html/uscode38/usc_sup_01_38_10_III_20_35.html), |
| other-bene |     and                                                 |
| fits-after |                                                         |
| -november- | -   loan guaranty benefits under [38 U.S.C. Chapter     |
| 30-1999 .u |     37](http://straylight.law.cornell.edu               |
| nnumbered} | /uscode/html/uscode38/usc_sup_01_38_10_III_20_37.html). |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > The date of entitlement to benefits is the first day  |
|            | > of the month following the occurrence of the event    |
|            | > which ended the remarriage, but no earlier than       |
|            | > December 1, 1999, if a claim is filed within one year |
|            | > of the date of death or within one year of the date   |
|            | > the termination of remarriage became final.           |
|            | >                                                       |
|            | > ***Notes***:                                          |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Benefits are *not* payable for the period from      |
|            |     October 1, 1998, through November 30,1999.          |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   The provisions of *PL 106-117*, Section 502 apply   |
|            |     to a surviving spouse who has ceased living with    |
|            |     another person and holding him/herself out openly   |
|            |     to the public as that person's spouse.              |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Prior to November 30, 1999, [VAOPGCPREC             |
|            |     13-98](http://www.va.gov/ogc/docs/prc13-98.doc)     |
|            |     held that a surviving spouse who regained DIC       |
|            |     eligibility under of *PL 105-178*, Section 8207,    |
|            |     effective October 1, 1998, did not regain           |
|            |     eligibility for any of the above benefits.          |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

#### 34. Resumption/Continuation of DIC Eligibility Based on Remarriage After Age 57

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### In   | > This topic contains information on the                |
| troduction | > resumption/continuation of DIC eligibility based on   |
|            | > remarriage after age 57. It includes information on   |
|            | > the                                                   |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Veterans Benefits Act of 2003 (PL 108-183)          |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   resumption of DIC eligibility based on remarriage   |
|            |     after age 57                                        |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   continuation of DIC eligibility based on remarriage |
|            |     after age 57                                        |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   payment date for resumption                         |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   selection of appropriate end product, special law,  |
|            |     and reason codes                                    |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### C    | > December 13, 2005                                     |
| hange Date |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #          | > Effective January 1, 2004, the Veterans Benefits Act  |
| #### a. Ve | > of 2003 (*PL 108-183*, section 101) allows a          |
| terans Ben | > surviving spouse who remarries on or after his/her    |
| efits Act  | > 57^th^ birthday to remain eligible for                |
| of 2003 (P |                                                         |
| L 108-183) | -   DIC                                                 |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   VA home loans, and                                  |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   VA educational benefits.                            |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > ***Note***: The Veterans Benefits Act of 2003 was     |
|            | > enacted on December 16, 2003, but this amendment was  |
|            | > effective January 1, 2004.                            |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #          | > A claim for resumption of DIC must be submitted       |
| #### b. Re |                                                         |
| sumption o | -   in writing, and                                     |
| f DIC Elig |                                                         |
| ibility Ba | -   within one year from the date of enactment of the   |
| sed on Rem |     Act                                                 |
| arriage Af |                                                         |
| ter Age 57 | > ***Notes***:                                          |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   A claim for resumption of DIC may be submitted by   |
|            |     surviving spouses who remarried after turning age   |
|            |     57, but prior to enactment of the law.              |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   All claims for resumption must be received by       |
|            |     December 16, 2004.                                  |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

34\. Resumption/Continuation of DIC Eligibility Based on Remarriage
After Age 57, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ###        | > DIC eligibility will continue for any current DIC     |
| ## c. Cont | > recipients who notify VA that he/she remarried after  |
| inuation o | > age 57. The DIC recipient should promptly notify VA   |
| f DIC Elig | > of his/her remarriage.                                |
| ibility Ba | >                                                       |
| sed on Rem | > ***Reference***: For development procedures, see      |
| arriage Af | > M21-1MR, Part IV, Subpart iii.3.F.23.i.               |
| ter Age 57 |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #####      | > February 1, 2004, is the payment date for surviving   |
| d. Payment | > spouses who                                           |
|  Date for  |                                                         |
| Resumption | -   remarried after reaching age 57, and                |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   submitted a claim for resumption during the period  |
|            |     of December 16, 2003 to December 16, 2004.          |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > ***Notes***:                                          |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Surviving spouses who remarried after age 57, and   |
|            |     whose claims are received on or after December 16,  |
|            |     2004, are *not* entitled to a resumption of         |
|            |     benefits.                                           |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Benefits restored under *PL 108-183* may not be     |
|            |     paid for any period prior to January 1, 2004.       |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ####       | > When processing a claim for resumption or             |
| # e. Selec | > continuation of DIC eligibility                       |
| tion of En | >                                                       |
| d Product, | > based on remarriage after age 57,                     |
|  Special L |                                                         |
| aw, and Re | -   assign end product code 137, and                    |
| ason Codes |                                                         |
|            | -   use special law code (SLC) 27 on all award lines.   |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > The first award line should contain                   |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   reason code 60 for resumed benefits, or             |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   reason code 00 for continued benefits.              |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > ***Notes***: Award action will be required for a      |
|            | > claim for continuation because SLC 27 cannot be       |
|            | > entered as a CORR transaction due to the age edits    |
|            | > associated with the SLC.                              |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+