Dic

[cjevans]

I have my husbands death certificate and I'm wondering if I write the cause of death here can you tell me if I will qualify for DIC benefit. My husband was 100% Disabled due to service connection Cancer of the Larynx (twice). His death certificate reads:

Immediate Cause of Death: "PROBABLY METASTATIC ADENOCARCINOMA OF PANCREAS TO LUMBAR SPINE"

Other Significatan Conditions contibuting to death but not resulting in the underlying cause given: "HYPTHYDROISISM, HISTORY OF LARYNGEAL CANCER"

I will be filling out forms this weekend. Just am curious to know if this is gonna fly with VA.

Thanks Kindly for any responses

[sharon]

On the 524 mark that this is a service connected death. Add the death certificate. There should be no further development. Don't give them anymore information to pick over. Believe me, it is enough.

[cjevans]

Sharon you really think so? Thanks so much for your reply. I was kinda going in that direction anyway.....you must have experience in this matter...or have read a lot of cases...

[vmo]

If the VA already has definitive medical records from what they originally granted the service connected condition for--then possibly the death certificate might be enough. However, in your case you appear to be dealing with at least two primary cancer site's: (1)laryngeal (2)pancreatic, that became metastatic to the spine. He was service connected for #1, not #2. Submitting the death certificate is of course the first thing the VA looks at, but be prepared for a battle and/or request from the VARO for hospital/physician treatment records. Cause of death some times needs further explanation beyond the certified death certificate. I don't want to sound pessimistic, just realistic. However, if when reviewing the death certificate and medical records---the VA rules that it was the original laryngeal cancer that progressed to the pancreas, you should not have any problem getting the VA to approve DIC. *I think Pete gave good advice, don't go it alone, you may want to seek assistance from a VSO (veterans service officer).

[cjevans]

Thanks VMO for your reply.

Sharon what do you think?

[sharon]

I would go with a VSO and verify information with the hadit members.

[cjevans]

So Sharon are you saying that I need the docotor/hospital medical backup along with the DIC form and Burial Benefits form or wait until after I send in DIC and Burial forms and see if they ask for more backup.