J.M. is recognized as the Veteran's surviving spouse for VA purposes, allowing her to receive VA death benefits.
The deciding factor: The evidence supports that J.M.'s July 1993 marriage was 'deemed valid' due to her lack of knowledge about the legal impediment (the Veteran's prior marriage to S.H.), and they cohabitated continuously until the Veteran's death in 2011.
- Claimed conditions
- Not specified in this decision
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 19, 2024
- Citation
- 24033128
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.