Question:
I was married to a veteran for 19 yrs. We were divorced approx 9 months before he passed away. An I entitled to any VA disability benefits as a survivor ? I hear so many different answers. I am eligible for his SS disability survivors benefits but not sure about VA. Any help would be appreciated.
Jim's Reply:
As a general rule with VA, survivors are dependents and only dependents are eligible for benefits. This differs from the SSA where divorced parties may be eligible to share in each other's benefits if they were married for longer than 10 years. I don't see any circumstance where you'll be eligible for VA benefits.