How can I get help with survivor benefits?

2022-05-12T10:17:55-04:00

My brother in law passed away earlier this year he is survived by his wife and daughter. He was100% VA disabled and was being treated by the VA in an outsourced facility in Aurora Colorado at the time of his death. His spouse has not received any of his benefits despite having submitted all required documentation through a DAV sponsor. Who can I contact to find out what went wrong or who can I get to look into this?

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made May 12 at 2022 11:48 AM

2022-05-12T11:48:05-04:00

My guess is that you won't be able to access any information on the claim since you aren't the surviving spouse. Has she talked with her VSO or called VA direct? Is there a regional VA Office nearby where you could talk to a VA rep?
I will say that everything at the VA proceeds at it's own speed. Generally a new claim takes between 90 & 100 days in my experience. I would still check.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2022 12:40 PM

2022-05-12T12:40:21-04:00

SFC Larry Christensen A previous post that will help along with a VA link that I have attached.

https://www.va.gov/family-member-benefits/

https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/who-do-i-talk-to-about-survivor-s-benefits

VA benefits for spouses, dependents, survivors, and family caregivers | Veterans Affairs

As the spouse or dependent child of a Veteran or service member, you may qualify for certain benefits, like health care, life insurance, or money to help pay for school or training. As the survivor of a Veteran or service member, you may qualify for added benefits, including help with burial costs and survivor compensation. If you’re caring for a Veteran, you may also be eligible for support to help you better care for the Veteran—and for...

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made May 12 at 2022 3:01 PM

2022-05-12T15:01:11-04:00

What does the DAV sponsor say? Have they followed up with the office they submitted through? To answer your question there isn't anyone you can contact because unless you have a power of attorney you don't have the authority to contact the VA on behalf of the surviving spouse.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made May 14 at 2022 4:25 PM

2022-05-14T16:25:24-04:00

Have her contact the VFW, DAV, etc. to get an advocate for assistance. You don't have a dog (legal right) in the fight, so there is not likely anything you can do.

Response by Sara Lucas made May 15 at 2022 6:51 AM

2022-05-15T06:51:00-04:00

I'm sorry for you and your sister's loss.......

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made May 15 at 2022 11:19 AM

2022-05-15T11:19:46-04:00

The DAV is the best to make this call. However, you can contact the VA directly through there customer service line at you state HQ. Just make a few calls and be patient you will get tobthe appropriate state office for the VA.

Make sure you have all relevant info related to the spouse or service member.

If she is up to the call, it would serve better once you get the appropriate office. Each VA state level rep is a bit different.