## Chapter 1. Developing Claims for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) and Death Compensation

#### 1. General Information on Developing Claims for Death Benefits

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### In   | > This topic contains general information on developing |
| troduction | > claims for death benefits. It includes information    |
|            | > for                                                   |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   considering                                         |
|            |                                                         |
|            | ```{=html}                                              |
|            | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   claims submitted 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)*, and                   |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   information in the claims folder                    |
|            |                                                         |
|            | ```{=html}                                              |
|            | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   determining when to develop for income and net      |
|            |     worth, and                                          |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   referring cases to the rating activity.             |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

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

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #####      | > *VA Form 21-534, Application for Dependency and       |
|  a. Consid | > Indemnity Compensation, Death Pension and Accrued     |
| ering Clai | > Benefits by a Surviving Spouse or Child (Including    |
| ms Submitt | > Death Compensation If Applicable)*, represents a      |
| ed on VA F | > claim for                                             |
| orm 21-534 |                                                         |
|            | -   Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)         |
|            |     (including claims for an additional monthly         |
|            |     allowance payable under [38 U.S.C.                  |
|            |     1311a(2)](http://assembler.law.cornell.edu/         |
|            | uscode/html/uscode38/usc_sec_38_00001311----000-.html)) |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   death pension, and                                  |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   accrued benefits.                                   |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > ***Important***: Remember that                        |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   all three benefits should be given proper           |
|            |     consideration to include development for all        |
|            |     necessary evidence.                                 |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   all claims by survivors of former prisoners of war  |
|            |     (POWs) must be processed expeditiously, see         |
|            |     M21-1MR, Part IV, Subpart iii, 1.7.                 |
|            |                                                         |
|            |     ***Note***: If no accrued amount exists, deny the   |
|            |     claim for accrued benefits without development.     |
|            |     Explain the reason for denial in the notification   |
|            |     letter.                                             |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

1\. General Information on Developing Claims for Death Benefits,
Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| a\.        | > ***References***: For more information on             |
| C          |                                                         |
| onsidering | -   claims for an additional monthly allowance payable  |
| Claims     |     under [38 U.S.C.                                    |
| Submitted  |     1311a(2)](http://assembler.law.cornell.edu/         |
| on VA Form | uscode/html/uscode38/usc_sec_38_00001311----000-.html), |
| 21-534     |     see M21-1MR, Part IV, Subpart iii, 3.A.5.d          |
| (          |                                                         |
| continued) | -   death pension, see M21-1MR, Part V (TBD) or [M21-1, |
|            |     Part IV, Chapter                                    |
|            |     16](htt                                             |
|            | p://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/m21_1/part4/ch16.doc), |
|            |     and                                                 |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   accrued benefits, see M21-1MR, Part VIII.           |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ###        | > Review the claims folder to determine if the evidence |
| ## b. Cons | > necessary to support the death claim is of record and |
| idering In | > that no clear and unmistakable error (CUE) was made   |
| formation  | > in the granting of service connection.                |
| in the Cla | >                                                       |
| ims Folder | > If a claims folder                                    |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   was created during the veteran's lifetime, it may   |
|            |     be possible to establish entitlement based on the   |
|            |     evidence of record, or                              |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   was *not* created during the veteran's lifetime,    |
|            |     there will be little or no service data in the      |
|            |     newly established deceased veteran's claims folder. |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > ***Notes***:                                          |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Take immediate action to obtain any necessary       |
|            |     service and medical evidence.                       |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Evidence on file regarding service and character of |
|            |     discharge that does not meet the requirements of    |
|            |     [38 CFR                                             |
|            |     3.203](http://                                      |
|            | www.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38CFR/BOOKB/PART3/S3_203.DOC) |
|            |     *must* be verified before awarding benefits.        |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > ***References***: For more information on             |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   obtaining service and medical records, see M21-1MR, |
|            |     Part III, Subpart iii, 2                            |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   the restoration of benefits after termination of a  |
|            |     remarriage, see M21-1MR, Part IV, Subpart iii,      |
|            |     3.F.30, and                                         |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   the rating schedule, see [38 CFR Part               |
|            |     4](http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/bookc.html).         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

1\. General Information on Developing Claims for Death Benefits,
Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##         | > Use the information below to determine when to        |
| ### c. Det | > develop for income and net worth information.         |
| ermining W |                                                         |
| hen to Dev |                                                         |
| elop for I |                                                         |
| ncome and  |                                                         |
| Net Worth  |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+-----------------------------+----------------------------------------+
| If ...                      | Then ...                               |
+-----------------------------+----------------------------------------+
| -   only partial income and | develop for the missing information.   |
|     net worth information   |                                        |
|     was provided on the     |                                        |
|     application, and        |                                        |
|                             |                                        |
| -   basic entitlement to    |                                        |
|     pension otherwise       |                                        |
|     exists                  |                                        |
+-----------------------------+----------------------------------------+
| -   the claimant has        | do not develop for income and net      |
|     alleged that death of   | worth information.                     |
|     the veteran was SC, and |                                        |
|                             | ***Notes***:                           |
| -   all income and net      |                                        |
|     worth information was   | -   Inform the claimant, in the        |
|     completely omitted      |     notification letter, that death    |
|                             |     pension was not considered because |
|                             |     evidence of income and net worth   |
|                             |     was not provided.                  |
|                             |                                        |
|                             | -   If basic entitlement to pension    |
|                             |     does not exist, deny the claim     |
|                             |     without regard to income or net    |
|                             |     worth.                             |
|                             |                                        |
|                             | ***Example***: In a case in which      |
|                             | there is no qualifying service, deny   |
|                             | the claim for no qualifying service    |
|                             | rather than for excessive income.      |
+-----------------------------+----------------------------------------+
| basic entitlement to        | do not develop income and net worth    |
| pension does not otherwise  | information.                           |
| exist, as in cases in which |                                        |
| there is no qualifying      |                                        |
| service                     |                                        |
+-----------------------------+----------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

1\. General Information on Developing Claims for Death Benefits,
Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### d.   | > Generally, to determine entitlement to DIC, VA needs  |
|  Evidence  | > evidence showing                                      |
| Required t |                                                         |
| o Determin | -   the cause of death, and                             |
| e Entitlem |                                                         |
| ent to DIC | -   that the cause of death was                         |
|            |                                                         |
|            | ```{=html}                                              |
|            | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   related to, or hastened by, a service-connected     |
|            |     (SC) condition, or                                  |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   related to a disease or injury that existed during  |
|            |     active military service.                            |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### e.   | > Evidence to support a claim for DIC may be obtained   |
| Obtaining  | > from                                                  |
| Evidence R |                                                         |
| elating th | -   the claims folder, if service connection for a      |
| e Cause of |     disease or injury was previously established,       |
|  Death to  |                                                         |
| a Service- | -   VA medical center treatment reports or VA           |
|  Connected |     outpatient clinic records,                          |
|  Condition |                                                         |
|            | -   service medical records, or                         |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   private doctor or hospital treatment records.       |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### f    | > Once development is complete, refer the claim to the  |
| . Referrin | > rating activity for a decision on the issue of        |
| g Cases to | > service connection for the cause of death.            |
|  the Ratin | >                                                       |
| g Activity | > ***Note***: Some death claims may be referred to the  |
|            | > rating activity as soon as they are received. This is |
|            | > particularly true if service connection for a disease |
|            | > or injury was established during the veteran's        |
|            | > lifetime.                                             |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

1\. General Information on Developing Claims for Death Benefits,
Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### g.   | > Develop for evidence listed in [38 CFR                |
|  Developin | > 3.211](http://                                        |
| g for Proo | www.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38CFR/BOOKB/PART3/S3_211.DOC) |
| f of Death | > that constitutes proof of death.                      |
|            | >                                                       |
|            | > When acceptable evidence cannot be obtained, the fact |
|            | > that death occurred may still be conceded under the   |
|            | > provisions of [38 CFR                                 |
|            | > 3.211(f)](http://w                                    |
|            | ww.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38CFR/BOOKB/PART3/S3_211.DOC). |
|            | > These cases must be                                   |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   fully developed for facts and circumstances that    |
|            |     support a presumption of death, and                 |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   submitted to the rating activity for determining    |
|            |                                                         |
|            | ```{=html}                                              |
|            | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   service connection for the cause of death           |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   the existence of a disability related to service at |
|            |     the time of death, or                               |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   discharge from service for a service-connected (SC) |
|            |     disability.                                         |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > ***Reference***: For more information on proof of     |
|            | > death, see M21-1MR, Part III, Subpart v, 1.H.         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

#### 2. Considering Death in Service 

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### In   | > This topic contains information on considering death  |
| troduction | > in service. It includes information on                |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   determining whether a death in service is SC, and   |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   when a rating decision is required.                 |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

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

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ###        | > Concede that death in service is SC unless a rating   |
| ## a. Dete | > is required under M21-1MR, Part IV, Subpart iii,      |
| rmining Wh | > 1.2.b. Cases in which service connection may be       |
| ether a De | > conceded include those in which                       |
| ath in Ser |                                                         |
| vice Is SC | -   death resulted from disease, armed conflict, or     |
|            |     common accident during service, or                  |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   the service person is missing or missing in action  |
|            |     and death has been presumed by the service          |
|            |     department.                                         |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > ***Note***: The authorization activity makes          |
|            | > determinations in injury cases as to line of duty and |
|            | > misconduct.                                           |
|            | >                                                       |
|            | > ***References***: See M21-1MR, Part III, Subpart v,   |
|            | > 1.D for more information on determinations as to      |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   former prisoner of war (POW) status                 |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   statutory bar to benefits                           |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   character of discharge                              |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   line of duty, and                                   |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   willful misconduct.                                 |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ###        | > A rating decision is required when death in service   |
| ## b. When | > was the result of                                     |
|  a Rating  |                                                         |
| Decision I | -   suicide, or                                         |
| s Required |                                                         |
|            | -   disease or injury, if                               |
|            |                                                         |
|            | ```{=html}                                              |
|            | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   death occurs during the initial six months of       |
|            |     active service, or                                  |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   there is reasonable probability of misconduct.      |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

#### 3. Casualty Assistance, Death in Service, and DIC

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### In   | > This topic contains information on casualty           |
| troduction | > assistance, death in service, and DIC. It includes    |
|            | > information on                                        |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   the focus of the Casualty Assistance Program        |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   how in-service death claims are handled             |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   the information required to process a claim, and    |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   verifying eligibility information.                  |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

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

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### a.   | > The Casualty Assistance Program focuses on the        |
| Focus of t | > survivors of active duty personnel who die in         |
| he Casualt | > service.                                              |
| y Assistan | >                                                       |
| ce Program | > Each designated regional office (RO) Casualty         |
|            | > Assistance Coordinator works closely with the         |
|            | > appropriate military Casualty Assistance Officer      |
|            | > (CAO) to expedite the processing of claims for        |
|            | > benefits due to survivors.                            |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### b.   | > All in-service death claims are processed initially   |
|  How In-Se | > through award or denial at the Philadelphia RO and    |
| rvice Deat | > Insurance Center (ROIC).                              |
| h Claims A | >                                                       |
| re Handled | > After the decision has been made, the claims folder   |
|            | > is transferred to the RO of jurisdiction.             |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

3\. Casualty Assistance, Death in Service, and DIC, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### c.   | > Initial processing of a claim for DIC may begin based |
|  Informati | > on receipt of the following documents:                |
| on Require |                                                         |
| d to Proce | -   *DD Form 1300*, *Report of Casualty*, or            |
| ss a Claim |                                                         |
|            | -   Interim *DD Form 1300*, and                         |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   *VA Form 21-534a, Application for Dependency and    |
|            |     Indemnity Compensation by a Surviving Spouse or     |
|            |     Child---In-Service Death Only*                      |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > ***Notes***:                                          |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Submission of *VA Form 21-534* is not required when |
|            |     the service member dies while on active duty.       |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Signed or unsigned copies of the *DD Form 1300* may |
|            |     be accepted electronically from a service           |
|            |     department.                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### d. V | > Accept the marital history and/or dependency status   |
| erifying E | > reported on the *DD Form 1300* or other Department of |
| ligibility | > Defense (DoD) report identifying the claimant as the  |
|            | > spouse, child or parent of the deceased service       |
| ##### I    | > member *unless* there is evidence to the contrary in  |
| nformation | > any existing claims folder.                           |
|            | >                                                       |
|            | > Attempt to resolve any discrepancy via telephone or   |
|            | > through the CAO prior to award action.                |
|            | >                                                       |
|            | > Undertake written development if necessary.           |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

#### 4. Considering Entitlement to DIC

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### In   | > This topic contains information on considering        |
| troduction | > entitlement to DIC. It includes information on        |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   the definition of ***DIC***                         |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   determining eligibility to elect DIC                |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   informing the claimant of the award, and            |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   considering a                                       |
|            |                                                         |
|            | ```{=html}                                              |
|            | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   parent's entitlement to DIC, and                    |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   child's entitlement to DIC.                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

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

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ####       | > ***DIC*** is a monthly payment made to a surviving    |
| # a. Defin | > spouse, child, or parent because of an SC death       |
| ition: DIC | > occurring                                             |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   on or after January 1, 1957, or                     |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   before January 1, 1957, if the survivor elects to   |
|            |     receive DIC in lieu of death compensation.          |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > ***Note***: Serving on active duty, in and of itself, |
|            | > does not bar an individual from receiving DIC.        |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #####      | > Use the information below to determine eligibility to |
|  b. Determ | > elect DIC.                                            |
| ining Elig |                                                         |
| ibility to |                                                         |
|  Elect DIC |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| If ...                           | Then ...                          |
+----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| -   death occurred prior to      | death compensation with the right |
|     January 1, 1957, or          | to elect DIC is the basic benefit |
|                                  | payable for SC death.             |
| -   death occurred on or after   |                                   |
|     May 1, 1957, and prior to    | ***Reference***: For more         |
|     January 1, 1972, and         | information on electing DIC, see  |
|                                  | M21-1MR, Part IV, Subpart iii,    |
| -   an in-service waiver of      | 3.H.                              |
|     insurance premiums under [38 |                                   |
|     U.S.C.                       |                                   |
|                                  |                                   |
|    1924](http://assembler.law.co |                                   |
| rnell.edu/uscode/html/uscode38/u |                                   |
| sc_sec_38_00001924----000-.html) |                                   |
|     was in effect                |                                   |
+----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+

Continued on next page

4\. Considering Entitlement to DIC, Continued

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
  b\. Determining Eligibility to Elect DIC (continued)

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

+----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| If ...                           | Then ...                          |
+----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| -   death compensation is the    | consider the *VA Form 21-534* or  |
|     basic benefit                | *VA Form 21-535* as a claim for   |
|                                  | DIC under [38 CFR                 |
| -   *VA Form 21-534*, or *VA     | 3.702(a                           |
|     Form 21-53*5, *Application   | )](http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/re |
|     for Dependency and Indemnity | gs/38CFR/BOOKB/PART3/S3_702.DOC). |
|     Compensation* *by Parent(s)  |                                   |
|     (Including Accrued Benefits  |                                   |
|     and Death Compensation When  |                                   |
|     Applicable),* were filed on  |                                   |
|     or after January 1, 1972     |                                   |
|                                  |                                   |
| -   records show DIC would be    |                                   |
|     the greater benefit, and     |                                   |
|                                  |                                   |
| -   the claimant confirms the    |                                   |
|     election of DIC              |                                   |
+----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #####      | > Inform the claimant of                                |
|  c. Inform |                                                         |
| ing the Cl | -   the award of DIC, if it is determined to be the     |
| aimant of  |     greater benefit based on the evidence of record,    |
| the Award  |     and                                                 |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   his/her right to receive death compensation.        |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > ***Note***: If the claimant rejects DIC, award death  |
|            | > compensation, if otherwise in order, subject to the   |
|            | > prior payment at the DIC rate.                        |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### d. C | > If the DIC rate, based on reported income, would be   |
| onsidering | > less than the death compensation rate in a parent's   |
|  a Parent' | > award, request that the claimant submit *VA Form      |
| s Entitlem | > 21-509*, *Statement of Dependency of Parent(s),* to   |
| ent to DIC | > determine if the dependency criteria of [38 CFR       |
|            | > 3.250](http://                                        |
|            | www.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38CFR/BOOKB/PART3/S3_250.DOC) |
|            | > are met for payment of death compensation.            |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

4\. Considering Entitlement to DIC, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### e.   | > A claim is required if a child's entitlement to DIC   |
| Considerin | > arises because a surviving spouse is no longer        |
| g a Child' | > entitled or because the child reaches age 18.         |
| s Entitlem | >                                                       |
| ent to DIC | > If the award to the surviving spouse is terminated    |
|            | > because of his/her death, consider a claim for the    |
|            | > child also to be a claim for any accrued benefits     |
|            | > which may be payable.                                 |
|            | >                                                       |
|            | > Accept a claim filed by a surviving spouse who does   |
|            | > not have entitlement as a claim for any child or      |
|            | > children in his/her custody named in the claim.       |
|            | >                                                       |
|            | > ***Reference***: For more information on developing   |
|            | > for a child's eligibility to pension, compensation,   |
|            | > or DIC, see M21-1MR, Part IV, Subpart iii, 1.4.f.     |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### f.   | > Use the information below to determine a child's      |
| Determinin | > eligibility to DIC.                                   |
| g a Child' |                                                         |
| s Entitlem |                                                         |
| ent to DIC |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+--------------------------------+-------------------------------------+
| If ...                         | Then ...                            |
+--------------------------------+-------------------------------------+
| -   the claim of a surviving   | consider the denied claim as a      |
|     spouse is denied, and      | claim for benefits for the child or |
|                                | children as though the denied claim |
| -   all evidence requested to  | were filed solely on their behalf.  |
|     determine entitlement of a |                                     |
|     child or children named in | ***Important***: Do *not* consider  |
|     that claim is submitted    | entitlement to benefits for the     |
|     within one year from the   | child or children for any period    |
|     date of request            | prior to the date of receipt of a   |
|                                | new claim unless evidence is        |
|                                | received within one year from the   |
|                                | date of the request.                |
+--------------------------------+-------------------------------------+
| -   payments of death pension, | -   develop for any evidence        |
|     death compensation, or DIC |     necessary to establish          |
|     to a surviving spouse have |     entitlement for the child or    |
|     been discontinued because  |     children named in the surviving |
|     of remarriage or death, or |     spouse's claim, and             |
|                                |                                     |
| -   a child becomes eligible   | -   if the evidence is received     |
|     for DIC after reaching age |     within one year from the date   |
|     18                         |     of the request, consider the    |
|                                |     discontinued claim as a claim   |
|                                |     for the child or children.      |
+--------------------------------+-------------------------------------+

#### 5. Developing for Pay Grade Data

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### In   | > A deceased veteran's pay grade may affect the DIC     |
| troduction | > rate payable. This topic contains information on      |
|            | > developing for pay grade data. It includes            |
|            | > information on                                        |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   verification of data from a service department, for |
|            |     a deceased veteran who was receiving retired pay,   |
|            |     and                                                 |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   action to take if                                   |
|            |                                                         |
|            | ```{=html}                                              |
|            | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   *DD Form 1300* is not of record, and                |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   payment of DIC is pending verification of pay grade |
|            |     data.                                               |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

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

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### a. V | > Requests for verification of pay grade data are not   |
| erificatio | > routinely submitted through the Personnel Information |
| n of Data  | > Exchange System (PIES) if the evidence of record      |
| From a Ser | > shows the deceased veteran was receiving retired pay  |
| vice Depar | > from a service department.                            |
| tment, for | >                                                       |
|  a Decease | > ***Important***: If the veteran died *after* December |
| d Veteran  | > 31, 1992, verification of pay grade data is not       |
| Who Was Re | > required.                                             |
| ceiving Re | >                                                       |
| tired Pay  | > ***Note***: Service departments routinely furnish *DD |
|            | > Form 1300* showing the pay grade for retired          |
|            | > personnel.                                            |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #####      | > If award action is otherwise in order, but no *DD     |
| b. Action  | > Form 1300* has been received                          |
| to Take If |                                                         |
|  DD Form 1 | -   use the information in M21-1MR, Part IV, Subpart    |
| 300 Is Not |     iii, 1.5.c to request pay grade data, and           |
|  of Record |                                                         |
|            | -   establish a 30-day control for receipt of the *DD   |
|            |     Form 1300*.                                         |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > ***Important***: Send a PIES request to obtain the    |
|            | > required data if the *DD Form 1300* is *not* received |
|            | > within the control period.                            |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

5\. Developing for Pay Grade Data, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #          | > Use the table below to determine the action to take   |
| #### c. Ac | > concerning payment of DIC when receipt of pay grade   |
| tion to Ta | > data is pending.                                      |
| ke Concern |                                                         |
| ing Paymen |                                                         |
| t of DIC W |                                                         |
| hen Receip |                                                         |
| t of Pay G |                                                         |
| rade Data  |                                                         |
| Is Pending |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+-----------------------------+----------------------------------------+
| If ...                      | Then ...                               |
+-----------------------------+----------------------------------------+
| -   the veteran died before | initiate a PIES request to obtain pay  |
|     January 1, 1993         | grade data before sending the claim to |
|                             | the rating activity.                   |
| -   there is a reasonable   |                                        |
|     probability that the    |                                        |
|     veteran's death is SC,  |                                        |
|     and                     |                                        |
|                             |                                        |
| -   DIC will be payable to  |                                        |
|     a surviving spouse      |                                        |
+-----------------------------+----------------------------------------+
| death is subsequently held  | -   do *not* defer award action        |
| to be SC                    |     pending receipt of pay grade data  |
|                             |     certification                      |
|                             |                                        |
|                             | -   award benefits at the minimum DIC  |
|                             |     rate, if otherwise in order,       |
|                             |     subject to a possible increase     |
|                             |     upon receipt of the response to    |
|                             |     the PIES request, and              |
|                             |                                        |
|                             | -   notify the surviving spouse        |
|                             |     accordingly.                       |
+-----------------------------+----------------------------------------+
| *DD Form 214, Certificate   | -   award DIC at the rate provided for |
| of Release or Discharge     |     the pay grade shown on the *DD     |
| from Active Duty* is of     |     Form 214*, and                     |
| record                      |                                        |
|                             | -   do not verify the pay grade unless |
|                             |                                        |
|                             | ```{=html}                             |
|                             | <!-- -->                               |
|                             | ```                                    |
|                             | -   information in the folder raises   |
|                             |     doubt                              |
|                             |                                        |
|                             | -   there is the possibility of        |
|                             |     certification of a higher pay      |
|                             |     grade under [38 U.S.C.             |
|                             |     1302(d)](http://asse               |
|                             | mbler.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/usco |
|                             | de38/usc_sec_38_00001302----000-.html) |
|                             |     based on a prior period of         |
|                             |     service, or                        |
|                             |                                        |
|                             | -   the payee specifically requests    |
|                             |     verification.                      |
+-----------------------------+----------------------------------------+
| the veteran died after      | -   verification of pay grade is not   |
| December 31, 1992           |     required, and                      |
|                             |                                        |
|                             | -   DIC should be awarded at the rates |
|                             |     provided under [38 U.S.C.          |
|                             |     1311](http://assem                 |
|                             | bler.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscod |
|                             | e38/usc_sec_38_00001311----000-.html). |
+-----------------------------+----------------------------------------+

#### 6. Developing DIC Claims Under 38 U.S.C. 1151

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### In   | > This topic contains information on developing for DIC |
| troduction | > under [38 U.S.C.                                      |
|            | > 1151](http://straylight.law.cornell.edu/              |
|            | uscode/html/uscode38/usc_sec_38_00001151----000-.html). |
|            | > It includes information on                            |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   identifying                                         |
|            |                                                         |
|            | ```{=html}                                              |
|            | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   informal claims, and                                |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   formal claims                                       |
|            |                                                         |
|            | ```{=html}                                              |
|            | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   determining when to send *VA Form 21-534* or *VA    |
|            |     Form 21-53*5                                        |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   determining effective dates of entitlement          |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   claims for which the                                |
|            |                                                         |
|            | ```{=html}                                              |
|            | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   RO determines eligibility to benefits, and          |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   C&P Service determines eligibility to benefits      |
|            |                                                         |
|            | ```{=html}                                              |
|            | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   routing of folders and documents needed for review, |
|            |     and                                                 |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   action to take after Compensation and Pension (C&P) |
|            |     Service makes a determination.                      |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

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

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ###        | > The claimant may initiate an informal claim by        |
| ## a. Iden | > submitting a statement showing an intent to apply for |
| tifying In | > benefits.                                             |
| formal Cla |                                                         |
| ims  {#a.- | > Send the claimant either of the following application |
| identifyin | > forms after receiving an informal claim:              |
| g-informal |                                                         |
| -claims .u | -   *VA Form 21-534*, or                                |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
|            | -   *VA Form 21-535*.                                   |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ####       | > A formal claim for death benefits is a claim for      |
| # b. Ident | > benefits under [38 U.S.C.                             |
| ifying For | > 1151](http://assembler.law.cornell.edu/               |
| mal Claims | uscode/html/uscode38/usc_sec_38_00001151----000-.html). |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > ***Reference***: For more information on claims for   |
|            | > injury due to VA hospital care, medical or surgical   |
|            | > treatment, examination, training and rehabilitation   |
|            | > services, or compensated work therapy program, see    |
|            | > [38 CFR                                               |
|            | > 3.154](http://w                                       |
|            | ww.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38CFR/BOOKB/PART3/S3_154.DOC). |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

6\. Developing DIC Claims Under 38 U.S.C. 1151, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #####      | > Send either *VA Form 21-534* or *VA Form 21-535*, as  |
| c. Determi | > appropriate                                           |
| ning When  |                                                         |
| to Send VA | -   when it is indicated that the veteran's death       |
|  Form 21-5 |     resulted from a service-connected disability        |
| 34 or VA F |                                                         |
| orm 21-535 | -   in response to a request for an application for     |
|            |     death benefits                                      |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   if an informal claim has been filed for benefits    |
|            |     under [38 U.S.C.                                    |
|            |     1151](http://assembler.law.cornell.edu/             |
|            | uscode/html/uscode38/usc_sec_38_00001151----000-.html), |
|            |     or                                                  |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   when so instructed by the Under Secretary for       |
|            |     Benefits or the Director, Compensation and Pension  |
|            |     (C&P) Service.                                      |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > ***Note***: When sending applications for benefits in |
|            | > response to a request from the Under Secretary for    |
|            | > Benefits or the Director, C&P Service, make no        |
|            | > reference to the law under which benefits may be      |
|            | > payable.                                              |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #          | > The effective date of entitlement to DIC under [38    |
| #### d. De | > U.S.C.                                                |
| termining  | > 1151](http://assembler.law.cornell.edu                |
| Effective  | /uscode/html/uscode38/usc_sec_38_00001151----000-.html) |
| Dates of E | > is the                                                |
| ntitlement |                                                         |
|            | -   first day of the month in which the veteran's death |
|            |     occurred, if the claim is received within one year, |
|            |     or                                                  |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   date of receipt of the claim, if the claim is       |
|            |     received one year or more following death.          |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > ***Reference***: For more information on effective    |
|            | > dates for benefits when disability or death is due to |
|            | > VA hospital care, medical or surgical treatment,      |
|            | > examination, training and rehabilitation services, or |
|            | > compensated work therapy program, see [38 C.F.R.      |
|            | > 3.400(i)](http://w                                    |
|            | ww.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38CFR/BOOKB/PART3/S3_400.DOC). |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### e    | > Determine eligibility for benefits when the           |
| . Claims f |                                                         |
| or Which t | -   veteran died while receiving compensation under [38 |
| he RO Dete |     U.S.C.                                              |
| rmines Eli |     1151](http://assembler.law.cornell.edu/             |
| gibility t | uscode/html/uscode38/usc_sec_38_00001151----000-.html), |
| o Benefits |     or                                                  |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   claimant has applied, or indicated an intent to     |
|            |     apply, for benefits under [38 U.S.C.                |
|            |     1151](http://assembler.law.cornell.edu/             |
|            | uscode/html/uscode38/usc_sec_38_00001151----000-.html). |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > ***Reference***: For information on developing        |
|            | > claims, see M21-1MR, Part IV, Subpart ii, 1.A.3.      |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

6\. Developing DIC Claims Under 38 U.S.C. 1151, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##         | > Cases in which *VA Form 10-2633, Report of Special    |
| ### f. Cla | > Incident Involving a Beneficiary*, indicates that     |
| ims for Wh | > death may have been due to circumstances contemplated |
| ich C&P Se | > by [38 U.S.C.                                         |
| rvice Dete | > 1151](http://assembler.law.cornell.edu/               |
| rmines Eli | uscode/html/uscode38/usc_sec_38_00001151----000-.html), |
| gibility t | > are sent to C&P Service for review.                   |
| o Benefits |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### g.   | > The table below describes the movement of folders and |
| Routing of | > documents needed for review                           |
|  Folders a |                                                         |
| nd Documen |                                                         |
| ts Needed  |                                                         |
| for Review |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------+---------------+-----------------------------------------------+
| S    | Who Is        | Description                                   |
| tage | Responsible   |                                               |
+------+---------------+-----------------------------------------------+
| 1    | Under         | -   Forwards copies of *VA Form 10-2633* to   |
|      | Secretary for |     C&P Service for review, and               |
|      | Health        |                                               |
|      |               | -   addresses the reports to the Under        |
|      |               |     Secretary for Benefits, ATTN: Director,   |
|      |               |     Compensation and Pension Service (211B).  |
+------+---------------+-----------------------------------------------+
| 2    | Director, C&P | Reviews the *VA Form 10-2633*.                |
|      | Service       |                                               |
+------+---------------+-----------------------------------------------+
| 3    | Director, C&P | Requests the temporary transfer of the        |
|      | Service       | deceased veteran's claims folder from the RO  |
|      |               | having jurisdiction, when it appears death    |
|      |               | benefits may be payable under [38 U.S.C.      |
|      |               | 1151                                          |
|      |               | ](http://assembler.law.cornell.edu/uscode/htm |
|      |               | l/uscode38/usc_sec_38_00001151----000-.html). |
+------+---------------+-----------------------------------------------+
| 4    | RO            | -   Forwards the requested deceased veteran's |
|      |               |     claims folder to C&P Service, unless      |
|      |               |                                               |
|      |               | ```{=html}                                    |
|      |               | <!-- -->                                      |
|      |               | ```                                           |
|      |               | -   there are no survivors who can receive    |
|      |               |     the entitled DIC benefits, or             |
|      |               |                                               |
|      |               | -   a favorable rating for survivors benefits |
|      |               |     has been or will be made under [38 U.S.C. |
|      |               |     1151                                      |
|      |               | ](http://assembler.law.cornell.edu/uscode/htm |
|      |               | l/uscode38/usc_sec_38_00001151----000-.html), |
|      |               |     [38 U.S.C.                                |
|      |               |     1310                                      |
|      |               | ](http://assembler.law.cornell.edu/uscode/htm |
|      |               | l/uscode38/usc_sec_38_00001310----000-.html), |
|      |               |     or [38 U.S.C.                             |
|      |               |     1318                                      |
|      |               | ](http://assembler.law.cornell.edu/uscode/htm |
|      |               | l/uscode38/usc_sec_38_00001318----000-.html), |
|      |               |     and                                       |
|      |               |                                               |
|      |               | ```{=html}                                    |
|      |               | <!-- -->                                      |
|      |               | ```                                           |
|      |               | -   provides adequate notification to Central |
|      |               |     Office (CO), C&P Service (211B) if the    |
|      |               |     deceased veteran's claims folder is not   |
|      |               |     transferred.                              |
|      |               |                                               |
|      |               | ***Reference***: For more information on      |
|      |               | temporary transfers to CO, see M21-1MR, Part  |
|      |               | III, Subpart ii, 5.F.26.                      |
+------+---------------+-----------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

6\. Developing DIC Claims Under 38 U.S.C. 1151, Continued

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
  g\. Routing of Folders and Documents Needed for Review (continued)

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

+------+---------------+-----------------------------------------------+
| S    | Who Is        | Description                                   |
| tage | Responsible   |                                               |
+------+---------------+-----------------------------------------------+
| 5    | C&P Service   | If applicable,                                |
|      |               |                                               |
|      |               | -   Makes a determination as to entitlement   |
|      |               |                                               |
|      |               | -   sends the appropriate notice to the RO,   |
|      |               |     and                                       |
|      |               |                                               |
|      |               | -   returns the deceased veteran's claims     |
|      |               |     folder to the RO.                         |
+------+---------------+-----------------------------------------------+
| 6    | RO            | -   Files copies of the pertinent part of the |
|      |               |     report of investigation, that was         |
|      |               |     provided by the Under Secretary of        |
|      |               |     Health, in the center section of the      |
|      |               |     deceased veteran's claims folder, and     |
|      |               |                                               |
|      |               | -   returns *VA Form 10-2633* to the Veterans |
|      |               |     Health Administration (VHA) Office of the |
|      |               |     Medical Inspector.                        |
+------+---------------+-----------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ###        | > Use the table below to determine the action to take   |
| ## h. Acti | > after C&P Service makes a determination.              |
| on to Take |                                                         |
|  After C&P |                                                         |
|  Service M |                                                         |
| akes a Det |                                                         |
| ermination |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------------+---------------------------------------------------+
| If C&P Service   | Then in cases in which a claim ...                |
| ...              |                                                   |
+------------------+---------------------------------------------------+
| establishes      | -   has been received, take appropriate rating    |
| entitlement to   |     and award action, or                          |
| DIC              |                                                   |
|                  | -   is not of record, send an application to any  |
|                  |     dependents who may be entitled to benefits.   |
+------------------+---------------------------------------------------+
| determines that  | has been received, take appropriate rating and    |
| entitlement does | denial action.                                    |
| not exist        |                                                   |
|                  | ***Reference***: For more information on denials, |
|                  | see M21-1MR, Part IV, Subpart iii, 3.D.19.c.      |
+------------------+---------------------------------------------------+

#### 7. Claims by Survivors of Former Prisoners of War

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### In   | > This topic contains information on initial processing |
| troduction | > of claims by survivors of former prisoners of war. It |
|            | > includes information on the                           |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   identification of and initial action on POW-related |
|            |     claims                                              |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   action to take when a first notice of death (FNOD)  |
|            |     is accompanied by *VA Form 21-534*, and             |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   action to taken when a FNOD is not accompanied by   |
|            |     *VA Form 21-534*.                                   |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

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

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ####       | > Review the Share or BDN screens during FNOD           |
| # a. Ident | > processing. If the M15 or MISC screens indicated that |
| ification  | > the veteran was a former POW, prepare a Former POW    |
| and Initia | > survivor flash for the outside of the claims folder,  |
| l Action o | > see M21-1MR, Part IV, Subpart iii, 1.9.a.             |
| f POW-Rela | >                                                       |
| ted Claims | > Have the claims folder pulled and hand-carried to the |
|            | > POW Coordinator.                                      |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### b.   | > If the FNOD is accompanied by *VA Form 21-534*, the   |
|  Action Wh | > POW Coordinator will review the claim and hand-carry  |
| en FNOD Is | > it through all stages of the claims process.          |
|  Accompani |                                                         |
| ed by VA F |                                                         |
| orm 21-534 |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##         | > If the FNOD is not accompanied by *VA Form 21-534*,   |
| ### c. Act | > the POW Coordinator reviews the claims folder in an   |
| ion When F | > attempt to identify any survivor(s). If an eligible   |
| NOD Is Not | > survivor exists, the coordinator will                 |
|  Accompani |                                                         |
| ed by VA F | -   contact the survivor(s) by personal visit, if       |
| orm 21-534 |     possible, or by telephone                           |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   complete a *VA Form 21-534* as fully as possible,   |
|            |     using information in the folder and provided by the |
|            |     survivor(s)                                         |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   mail the incomplete application to the survivor(s)  |
|            |     to complete, sign, and correct, if necessary, and   |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   annotate the Former POW Survivor folder flash with  |
|            |     the date the *VA Form 21-534* was sent to the       |
|            |     survivor(s).                                        |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

#### 8. Locations of Other Information Pertaining to Developing for DIC and Death Compensation Claims

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### In   | > This topic contains information on the locations of   |
| troduction | > other information pertaining to DIC and death         |
|            | > compensation claims. It includes information on       |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   developing for                                      |
|            |                                                         |
|            | ```{=html}                                              |
|            | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   marital relationship, and                           |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   service records                                     |
|            |                                                         |
|            | ```{=html}                                              |
|            | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   requesting records from federal and state agencies  |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   processing first notices of death (FNODs), and      |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   elections between benefits.                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

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

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ####       | > For information on establishing marital relationship  |
| # a. Devel | > in death cases, see                                   |
| oping for  | >                                                       |
| Marital Re | > M21-1MR, Part III, Subpart iii, 5.E.                  |
| lationship |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### b.   | > For information on developing for service records,    |
| Developing | > see M21-1MR, Part III, Subpart iii, 2.                |
|  for Servi |                                                         |
| ce Records |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### c.   | > For information on requesting records from Federal    |
| Requesting | > and State agencies, see                               |
|  Records F |                                                         |
| rom Federa | -   M21-1MR, Part III, Subpart iii, 3.A, and            |
| l and Stat |                                                         |
| e Agencies | -   M21-1MR, Part III, Subpart iii, 4.                  |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #####      | > For information on first notice of death (FNOD)       |
|  d. Proces | > processing, see M21-1MR, Part III, Subpart ii, 8.     |
| sing FNODs |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #####      | > For information on elections between benefits, see    |
|  e. Electi | > M21-1MR, Part III, Subpart v, 4.A (TBD) or [M21-1,    |
| ons Betwee | > Part IV,                                              |
| n Benefits | > 20.07](htt                                            |
|            | p://www.warms.vba.va.gov/admin21/m21_1/part4/ch20.doc). |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

#### 9. Exhibit: Former POW Survivor Folder Flash

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### In   | > The Former POW Survivor folder flash is attached to   |
| troduction | > the outside of a former POW's claims folder when a    |
|            | > survivor with potential entitlement to benefits is    |
|            | > identified. For more information on this topic, see   |
|            | > M21-1MR, Part IV, Subpart iii, 1.7.a.                 |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

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

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##         | > Example of the Former POW Survivor folder flash is    |
| ### a. Exa | > shown below.                                          |
| mple of Fo |                                                         |
| rmer POW S |                                                         |
| urvivor Fo |                                                         |
| lder Flash |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
  ![](media/image1.wmf)

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