The DIC regulations sometimes get lost in the shuffle: http://benefits.va.gov/compensation/types-dependency_and_indemnity.asp "Eligibility (Surviving Spouse) To qualify for DIC, a surviving spouse must meet the requirements below. The surviving spouse was: Married to a Servicemember who died on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training, OR Validly married the Veteran before January 1, 1957, OR Married the Veteran within 15 years of discharge from the