🪖 Filing for Dependency & Indemnity Compensation (DIC)

When a veteran passes away from mesothelioma or another asbestos-related illness, their surviving spouse or dependents may qualify for Dependency & Indemnity Compensation (DIC) — a tax-free monthly benefit from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

This guide explains who qualifies, what documents are required, and how to file successfully.

📞 Need help filing a DIC claim today? Call 800.291.0963 for free assistance.

🎖️ Step 1: Understanding What DIC Is

Dependency & Indemnity Compensation (DIC) is a VA program that provides lifetime, tax-free monthly payments to eligible survivors of veterans who died due to service-connected illnesses — including asbestos-related diseases such as:

• Mesothelioma

• Asbestos-related lung cancer

• Asbestosis or pleural disease

💡 DIC is separate from life insurance or pension benefits and does not reduce other survivor payments.

🩺 Step 2: Who Is Eligible for DIC

You may qualify for DIC if:

• 👩‍❤️‍👨 You are the surviving spouse of a veteran whose death was caused or accelerated by a service-connected asbestos disease.

• 👧 You are a dependent child under 18 (or under 23 if enrolled in school).

• 👩‍🦳 You are a dependent parent who relied financially on the veteran.

Other eligibility details:

• The veteran must have been honorably discharged.

• The veteran must have had a VA-recognized service connection for the disease.

• In some cases, a posthumous claim can establish the connection if not already filed.

🕊️ Even if the veteran was not receiving VA benefits before death, you can still file a DIC claim.

📁 Step 3: Required Documents

Before filing, gather all relevant paperwork to prove the service connection and relationship.

You will need:

• 📜 DD-214 (discharge document)

• ⚖️ Death certificate listing mesothelioma or asbestos-related illness as a cause of death

• 🧾 Marriage certificate or proof of dependency

• 🩻 Medical records and pathology reports confirming asbestos-related disease

• 🧩 Service records showing asbestos exposure during military duty

• 🧬 Physician statement or nexus letter linking the illness to service

💡 A complete and well-documented file leads to faster approval and fewer delays.

🖋️ Step 4: How to File for DIC

You can apply for DIC in one of several ways:

• 💻 Online: VA.gov/survivor-DIC-benefits

• 🏢 In person: Through a VA Regional Office or Veterans Service Officer (VSO)

• 📬 By mail:
  Department of Veterans Affairs
  Claims Intake Center
  PO Box 4444
  Janesville, WI 53547-4444

📝 Use VA Form 21P-534EZ (Application for DIC, Death Pension, and/or Accrued Benefits).

🕐 Keep copies of everything you send and track your submission online through VA.gov.

💰 Step 5: 2025 DIC Monthly Payment Rates

As of 2025, DIC payments include:

📈 Rates increase annually to reflect cost-of-living adjustments (COLA).

⚖️ Step 6: Strengthening Your Claim

To improve your chances of approval:

• 🩺 Submit medical proof that the veteran’s asbestos exposure caused the illness.

• 📑 Include detailed service history—ships, bases, or occupations involving asbestos.

• 🧾 Provide a doctor’s nexus letter directly linking death to service exposure.

• 🧑‍💼 Work with a VA-accredited claims representative to review your evidence.

📈 Most successful DIC claims clearly connect military exposure to the illness listed on the death certificate.

🔁 Step 7: Appeals and Additional Benefits

If your DIC claim is denied, you can appeal:

• 🧾 Supplemental Claim: Add new evidence.

• ⚖️ Higher-Level Review: Request a senior VA reviewer.

• 🪪 Board Appeal: Submit your case to a Veterans Law Judge.

Additional survivor benefits may include:

• 💵 Education Assistance (DEA) for dependents

• 🏠 Home loan eligibility for surviving spouses

• 🏥 Health care coverage through the Civilian Health and Medical Program (CHAMPVA)

📞 Where to Get Help

Our advocates assist surviving spouses and families in filing DIC claims after asbestos-related deaths.
We help gather records, file forms, and ensure the VA has everything needed for approval.

👉 Call 800.291.0963 today for free help filing your Dependency & Indemnity Compensation claim.

🧾 Summary

Dependency & Indemnity Compensation (DIC) provides lifelong, tax-free financial support to families of veterans who died from asbestos-related diseases.
By submitting complete medical and service evidence, you can secure vital benefits for your family’s future.

Your loved one served with honor—now make sure their service provides lasting protection.
📞 Call 800.291.0963 today to start your DIC claim.