Thanks for continuing to look into this but I respectfully have to disagree with you on it. During this discussion I was concerned that I should lose my benefits, and I think it's odd to feel that way while on a forum dedicated to helping Veterans and their survivors get their benefits.
From va.benefits.gov
M21-1MRIII_iii_5_SecE.doc (same link I posted earlier)
d. Perceived Common Law Marriage in a State That Does Not Recognize Common Law Marriages
In VAOPGCPREC 58-91, the General Counsel held that if a surviving spouse believed he/she was party to a common law marriage with a Veteran in a State that does not recognize common law marriages, VA must determine whether or not the common law marriage may nevertheless be deemed valid under 38 CFR 3.52.
Reference: For information on a Veteran or surviving spouse not living in a state recognizing common law marriages, see M21-1MR, Part III, Subpart iii, 5.C.16.