On May 2, 2025, the VA revealed a reorganization of survivors assistance programs, including the establishment of an outreach team to help families of deceased veterans navigate the VA’s bureaucracy. The VA also plans ongoing improvements to “increase automation that will expedite survivors’ claims” in the coming months.
VA Secretary Doug Collins indicates that these changes are designed to simplify the process and improve families’ interactions with the department. The VA will move the Office of Survivors Assistance from the Veterans Benefits Administration to reporting directly to the VA secretary, with five full-time staffers advising department leadership on survivors benefits issues. The VA will also have a new survivor outreach team in the Philadelphia VA Regional Benefit Office to “guide and assist eligible survivors throughout every step of the Dependency and Indemnity Compensation claims process, with the goal of getting to ‘yes’ on claims decisions.”
Currently, the Office of Survivors Assistance processes more than 1,000 DIC payments or adjustments a day through automated systems. However, they hope to expand that number in the coming months.
If you have questions about VA disability benefits, please contact the experienced Veterans’ disability attorneys at Gardberg & Kemmerly, P.C. today for a free case evaluation. Gardberg & Kemmerly serves Veterans across the United States from their home office in Mobile, Alabama. Please call our office at 251-343-1111 or 1-800-332-1529 for a free consultation.