The issue you're encountering is a common system conflict where a dependent child cannot simultaneously be set up for both Chapter 35 DEA benefits and continued dependency compensation on your award; the VA's systems often block account creation until this is resolved administratively. Under 38 CFR 3.307 and 3.312, a child aged 18 to 23 must be enrolled in an approved educational institution to remain a "child" for benefits purposes, but 38 U.S.C. 1115 and implementing regulations prohibit dual payments, requiring termination of the child's status as a dependent on your compensation when Chapter 35 begins (typically the child's 18th birthday or school start date, per 38 CFR 3.667). The VA must first process this change, which is often initiated by submitting a VA Form 21-674 (Report of School Attendance) or triggered by your child's DEA application, before the VA.gov account can be fully activated. Your actionable next steps are: 1) Ensure you have submitted VA Form 21-674 to report her school attendance, 2) Call the VA Education hotline (1-888-442-4551) to confirm her Chapter 35 application is processing and request they expedite the dependency adjustment, and 3) If delays persist, contact the White House VA Hotline (855-948-2311) to initiate a service request to resolve the system conflict. Be prepared for a potential overpayment notice regarding her dependency pay, as referenced in your context, since payments often overlap during processing.
*Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes regarding VA procedures and is not intended as legal, medical, or official benefits advice. You should consult with a VA-accredited attorney or claims agent for guidance specific to your case.*
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