There is a method whereby a person who would be entitled to accrued benefits (first priority there would be a surviving spouse) can be substituted for the claimant and if the claim is later approved can collect these accrued benefits in the amount that the claimant would have received had he/she lived longer and gotten the claim approved himself/herself.
It is my understanding that this person can submit evidence and even perfect an appeal if the veteran's claim is denied. I have never done one of these claims myself, but what I have posted is the gist of the substitution benefit - VA has even developed a form for a person wishing to be substituted, VA Form 21-0847.
Ivac
It is my understanding that this person can submit evidence and even perfect an appeal if the veteran's claim is denied. I have never done one of these claims myself, but what I have posted is the gist of the substitution benefit - VA has even developed a form for a person wishing to be substituted, VA Form 21-0847.
Ivac
