Spouse Receives DIC After Husband’s Passing

A Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) veteran service officer (VSO) recently helped secure survivor’s benefits for the spouse of a Vietnam veteran who had been service-connected at 100% before passing away of a heart attack in July. 

The VSO helped the surviving spouse file for Dependency & Indemnity Compensation (DIC) in September. She had no source of income at the time of her husband’s death and was undergoing treatment for leukemia herself. 

The spouse said she felt guilty that her illness had created stress for her husband and added to his responsibilities at home. She added that he had been undergoing cancer treatment and was scheduled for heart surgery to resolve blockages, but the cancer treatment had prevented the cardiac procedure. 

The VSO and spouse submitted a detailed Statement in Support of Claim (VA Form 21-4138) outlining the veteran’s service-connected conditions and their connection to his cause of death. They also filed a medical release form asking for medical records showing the barriers to performing the heart surgery. 

The surviving spouse was granted DIC on Oct. 14, 2025, giving her critical financial support during an extremely difficult time. 

Contact a VVA Veteran Service Officer to assist with your claim in states that have a benefits program here, or search for a VSO from another organization through the VA’s website in states where we do not. Enter your ZIP code or city and state, and you’ll see which VSOs serve your area.