What happens if the client dies while awaiting an award?
The VA will not reimburse any benefits owed during the month of death; any expenses during this month will be the responsibility of the surviving spouse or family. If the claimant passes during the initial 31 days of an application, expenses incurred will not count towards an accrued benefit. The family may choose to file for accrued benefits, a process available through the VA used to reimburse the surviving spouse or next of kin benefits due and unpaid at the time of claimant’s death.
