Marriage to the Veteran
An additional criteria for spouses of the veteran – the widows or widowers – is the proof of the marriage to the veteran. Because this benefit is dependent upon the veteran’s military service record, the widow or widower must have been married to the veteran at the time of the veteran’s demise. This benefit cannot be obtained if the widow or widower either: divorced the veteran; and/or the widow or widower remarried after the veteran’s demise.
When Is There a Fee for Assistance?
Attorneys may charge a legal planning fee to assess whether there are any benefits you may be eligible for through the VA and develop a comprehensive plan to enable you to achieve these benefits. However, no one, not even an attorney, can charge you to assist with the preparation, presentation, and prosecution of your claim.