The Board has determined that an effective date prior to April 9, 2012, but no earlier than the date of the appellant's last employment, for the election of improved death pension benefits is granted.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not show that the appellant received notice of the opportunity to elect an improved death pension in 1979 and her testimony regarding non-receipt was credible. The appellant would have been entitled to a higher monthly payment if she had elected improved pension, but it is unclear when she stopped working and earning additional income, which could affect her eligibility for improved death pension.
- Claimed conditions
- Not specified in this decision
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- May 3, 2016
- Citation
- 1617733
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 1617733.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
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.