Benefits for spouses and dependents (VA DIC) 
If you re the surviving spouse, child, or parent of a service member who died in the line of duty, or the survivor of a Veteran who died from a service - related injury or illness, you may be able to get a tax - free monetary benefit called VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation VA DIC. Find out if you can get VA benefits or compensation. 

DIC eligibility for survivors of Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans 
If we denied your Blue Water Navy Veteran s service - connected disability claim in the past , you may be eligible for DIC benefits based on the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019. See DIC eligibility information and how to apply. Veterans who served on a Blue Water Navy vessel offshore of the Republic of Vietnam, or on another U.S. Navy or Coast Guard ship operating in the coastal waterways of Vietnam between January 9 , 1962, and May 7 , 1975, are now entitled to a presumption of service connection for illnesses related to Agent Orange exposure. This is a result of Public Law 116 - 23, also known as the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019. 

Am I eligible for VA DIC as a surviving spouse or dependent? 
You may be eligible for VA benefits or compensation for surviving spouses if you meet the requirements listed below. You ll also need to provide evidence with your claim showing that one of the descriptions below is true for the Veteran or service member. Evidence may include documents like military service records, doctor s reports, and medical test results. One of these must be true. You: Married the Veteran or service member before January 1 , 1957 , or Married the Veteran or service member within 15 years of their discharge from the period of military service during which the qualifying illness or injury started or got worse , or Were married to the Veteran or service member for at least 1 year , or Had a child with the Veteran or service member , aren t currently remarried , and either lived

user: Am I eligible for VA DIC as a surviving spouse or dependent?

assistant: You may be eligible for VA benefits or compensation for surviving spouses if you meet the requirements listed below . You ll also need to provide evidence with your claim showing that one of the descriptions below is true for the Veteran or service member .Evidence may include documents like military service records , doctor s reports , and medical test results .

user: What requirements must I meet?

assistant: Where you married to the veteran or service member before January 1, 1957?

user: No it was not before then.

assistant: Did you marry the veteran or service member within 15 years of their discharge from the period of military service during which the qualifying illness or injury started or got worse?

user: No I sure did not.

assistant: Were you married to the veteran or service member for at least 1 year?

user: No I was not

assistant: Did you have a child with the veteran or service member?

user: Yes I did.

user: What is the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act?

assistant: Veterans who served on a Blue Water Navy vessel offshore of the Republic of Vietnam , or on another U.S. Navy or Coast Guard ship operating in the coastal waterways of Vietnam between January 9 , 1962 , and May 7 , 1975 , are now entitled to a presumption of service connection for illnesses related to Agent Orange exposure . This is a result of Public Law 116 - 23 , also known as the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019 .