First, my condolences on your loss. While your mother was informed she is ineligible for the non-service-connected Survivors Pension (which is needs-based under 38 CFR 3.3), she should immediately investigate eligibility for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), a monthly benefit for survivors of veterans whose death was service-connected or who, at time of death, were totally disabled from service-connected conditions for a specified period. Under 38 CFR 3.5 and 3.22, DIC may be payable if your father’s death resulted from a service-connected condition or if he was in receipt of (or entitled to) VA compensation for a service-connected disability rated totally disabling (100%) for at least 10 years immediately preceding death, or for at least five years from the date of discharge. The key actionable step is to file VA Form 21P-534EZ, "Application for DIC, Death Pension, and/or Accrued Benefits." You must also submit your father’s death certificate and his DD Form 214. Critically, if he had any pending claims or appeals at the time of death, you may also file for "accrued benefits" under 38 CFR 3.1000. Gather all his medical records and any prior VA rating decisions to establish a potential link between his service and cause of death or to prove a 100% rating. While case law like *Breedlove v. Principi* reinforces that survivors need not prove direct causation if the 10-year rule is met, securing these records is essential. Given the complexity, consider consulting an accredited VA attorney or claims agent (VSO) for assistance with this claim.
*This information is for educational purposes regarding VA benefits procedures and is not intended as legal, medical, or official advice.*
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