Need Help With Spouses List Of Things To Do When Veteran Passes

[USMC RECON 67]

I think I saw on this forum some time back a list of things a spouse needs to do when her husband passes away. I have had a major problem with my heart in the past couple of weeks and want my wife to have the easiest transition when the time comes.I am 100% service connected for congestive heart failure + seven additional service connected issues.I would appreciate all the guidance I can get.I know there are different forms for different things that need to be done and also who to contact. Thank you in advance for your assistance.You ladies and gentleman are the best.

[USMC RECON 67]

Yes- it should be here USMC- when I get a chance I will either find that post or post this info again.

I cannot stress enough that a vets survivor-if they intend to ever apply for DIC-to have a complete autopsy done on the deceased veteran -particularily if the coroner is not going to list their SC on the death certificate as contributing.

If the veteran is an organ donor an autopsy is done here in NY for free by the Medical Examiner.Maybe in every state this is so.

And most organ donors are cremated.

And make sure the spouse can find a record of all your PC passwords-

I will look for the post here on this.

free spirit etc, Commander Bob 92-93, MRRRR5, Pete 53 and Berta,

I thank each and every one of you for your replies. Berta I had bookmarked that topic sometime ago but my computer had a glitz and I lost all my bookmarks. It was invaluable information that I hoped I would not need but imperative to have.If you could locate it I would certainly appreciate it. I located this forum about a year after I filed my claims, wish I'd have found it sooner but everything worked out well.You ladies and gentleman are great for assisting other veterans and I thank each and everyone of you.I visit this site on a daily basis and can't do without it. I guess you can say I'm hung on y'all.I don't contribute because I have a bad memory problem and would not want to give another person inappropriate information.Thanks again.

[Wings]

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I need to know: How long (years) is the surviving spouse eligible to collect DIC; for the rest of their natural life? Can the surviving spouse collect Social Security and DIC? Thanks. ~Wings

[Pete53]

Wings:

Yes can collect both.

The spouse can collect even after remarrying of they are over 55 as best as I can remember. The law was changed a few years ago.The second paragraph is concerning VA. Not at all sure about SSD,

[Wings]

Wings:

Yes can collect both.

The spouse can collect even after remarrying of they are over 55 as best as I can remember. The law was changed a few years ago.The second paragraph is concerning VA. Not at all sure about SSD,

Thanks Pete. The VA's Survivor Benefits Page is so full of bad links, I can't get any information from them at all!

Moreover, I've looked at the VA FORM 21-534 (DIC) and it's a little confusing. Best to get all these forms and details accomplished beforehand. ~Wings

On edit: Is DIC received for the remaining life of the Spouse???

Edited February 19, 2009 by Wings

[Commander Bob]

Thanks Pete. The VA's Survivor Benefits Page is so full of bad links, I can't get any information from them at all!

Moreover, I've looked at the VA FORM 21-534 (DIC) and it's a little confusing. Best to get all these forms and details accomplished beforehand. ~Wings

On edit: Is DIC received for the remaining life of the Spouse???

Good Morning Wings,.... I also went to the VA's Survivor Benefits Page, and left, dazed and confused. Lots of rabbit trails and bad links. It seems to be the nature of Government sites ( world wide). I also called the 800 number, Wow, what a trip. I maneuvered thru the menu for some time, to reach a recording that told me to call back later. I finally called my NSO at the MOPH. RE: Is DIC received for the remaining life of the Spouse??? Short Answer: YES.

Edited February 19, 2009 by Commander Bob 92-93

[Wings]

Good Morning Wings,.... I also went to the VA's Survivor Benefits Page, and left, dazed and confused. Lots of rabbit trails and bad links. It seems to be the nature of Government sites ( world wide). I also called the 800 number, Wow, what a trip. I maneuvered thru the menu for some time, to reach a recording that told me to call back later. I finally called my NSO at the MOPH. RE: Is DIC received for the remaining life of the Spouse??? Short Answer: YES.

WOWEEE BOB, But you showed some real patience this morning! The VA Webmaster needs to be FIRED! Thank you! Can you find a USC or CFR to back that "YES" ???? ;-) ~Wings