Chapter 35 Benefits Extension

Meet Jim

Jim Strickland is a Vietnam era Army veteran and nationally recognized expert on VA disability benefits who is also editor and webmaster of the popular VA Watchdog website. Jim writes extensively about VA and Social Security disability benefits. Jim is kind enough to answer questions from visitors on StatesideLegal.org here in Jim's Mailbag.

About Jim's Mailbag

Jim's Mailbag is a regular column where veterans, servicemembers, and family members can find answers about their VA and Social Security disability benefits. Although we are not accepting new questions at this time, you can browse all of the previous Q&As here and search Jim's Mailbag for helpful answers to your specific VA issue.

December 29, 2019

Question:

My spouse is 100% service connected disabled. My Chapter 35 benefits are set to expire (10 yrs) this Feb. with 23 months remaining. I want to appeal for an extension. I found on this site, where it said if the vet was given 100% T&P within 3 years of service discharge that the spouse had 20 yrs to use DEA benefits. Can you provide me the VA link that shows the @OCT 10, 2008 change; that may help my appeal..

Jim's Reply:

I believe you'll find the information you're looking for here . Most colleges will have knowledgeable people in their finance offices who can help you sort out your C-35 benefits.