Now that the VA recognizes Agent Orange exposure illnesses, should I apply for Widow’s Benefits?

“My spouse was a Vietnam Veteran who did not receive any VA benefits before his death, but now the VA recognizes Agent Orange exposure illnesses.  Should I apply for Widow’s benefits?”

You may qualify.  Not only that, your benefits may go back to the date of death.  

Example: A Vietnam veteran died from complications of ischemic heart disease in 2005. In 2007, a qualifying surviving family member files a DIC claim that VA denies in 2008. The qualifying surviving family member files another DIC claim in 2017, which VA grants based on VA’s rule adding ischemic heart disease to the list of Agent Orange-related diseases. The correct effective date for the award of DIC is the date the VA received the DIC claim in 2007.