The petition to reopen the previously denied claim of recognition as the surviving spouse for purposes of establishing basic eligibility for VA death benefits is granted.
The deciding factor: New and material evidence was submitted that related to an unestablished fact necessary to reopen the claim, specifically photographs, a legal will, and lay evidence from friends supporting the appellant's relationship with 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
- January 8, 2024
- Citation
- 24001185
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
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.