Veterans’ RightsAn independent resource for veterans
← All decisions
Denied

The Board found that the appellant could not be recognized as the veteran's surviving spouse for purposes of receiving Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) benefits due to a separation from 1991 onwards, which was not solely due to the fault of either party.

The deciding factor: The initial separation in 1991 was mutual but subsequent separations were due to the veteran's remarriage and living with another woman as man and wife, indicating an intent on the part of the appellant to desert the veteran.

Claimed conditions
Not specified in this decision
How they argued it
Not specified
Exposure basis
None
Rating assigned
None in this decision
Decision date
October 6, 2004
Citation
0427749

This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 0427749.

What this means for you

A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.

What you can do next

Free starter guide for your own claim

Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.

We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.

We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.

This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.