X

Thank you for sharing!

Your article was successfully shared with the contacts you provided.
Appealed from: Department of Veterans Affairs

National Organization of Veterans’ Advocates, Inc., (“NOVA”), Disabled American Veterans (“DAV”), and Paralyzed Veterans of America (“PVA”) (collectively, “petitioners”), challenge the validity of a regulation promulgated by the Department of Veterans Affairs, 38 C.F.R. � 3.22 (2000). *fn1 That regulation, as revised in January 2000, restricts the award of dependency and indemnity compensation (“DIC”) benefits to survivors *fn2 of deceased veterans to cases where the veteran (during his or her lifetime) had established a right to receive total service-connected disability compensation for the period of time required by the governing statute, 38 U.S.C. � 1318 (1994), *fn3 or would have established such right but for clear and unmistakable error by the Department of Veterans Affairs in adjudicating the veteran’s claim. We conclude that the revised regulation is inconsistent with another regulation, 38 C.F.R. � 20.1106, that interprets a virtually identical veterans’ benefits statute, 38 U.S.C. � 1311(a)(2). We further conclude that the agency has failed to explain its rationale for interpreting these virtually identical statutes in conflicting ways. We therefore remand this case to the Department of Veterans Affairs for further consideration.

BACKGROUND

 
Reprints & Licensing
Mentioned in a Law.com story?

License our industry-leading legal content to extend your thought leadership and build your brand.

More From ALM

With this subscription you will receive unlimited access to high quality, online, on-demand premium content from well-respected faculty in the legal industry. This is perfect for attorneys licensed in multiple jurisdictions or for attorneys that have fulfilled their CLE requirement but need to access resourceful information for their practice areas.
View Now
Our Team Account subscription service is for legal teams of four or more attorneys. Each attorney is granted unlimited access to high quality, on-demand premium content from well-respected faculty in the legal industry along with administrative access to easily manage CLE for the entire team.
View Now
Gain access to some of the most knowledgeable and experienced attorneys with our 2 bundle options! Our Compliance bundles are curated by CLE Counselors and include current legal topics and challenges within the industry. Our second option allows you to build your bundle and strategically select the content that pertains to your needs. Both options are priced the same.
View Now
July 22, 2024 - July 24, 2024
Lake Tahoe, CA

GlobeSt. Women of Influence Conference celebrates the women who drive the commercial real estate industry forward.


Learn More
September 05, 2024
New York, NY

The New York Law Journal honors attorneys and judges who have made a remarkable difference in the legal profession in New York.


Learn More
September 06, 2024
Johannesburg

The African Legal Awards recognise exceptional achievement within Africa s legal community during a period of rapid change.


Learn More

The Superior Court of California, County of Alameda is accepting applications for the position of Legal Research Attorney. Under general dir...


Apply Now ›

ROSENBERG JACOBS HELLER & FLEMING, PC of Morris Plains, NJ is seeking a full-time Attorney who has at least 5 years experience, includin...


Apply Now ›

Our client, a well-regarded national law firm widely recognized as one of the top places to work, has engaged us to find multiple real estat...


Apply Now ›
06/27/2024
The American Lawyer

Professional Announcement


View Announcement ›
06/21/2024
Daily Business Review

Full Page Announcement


View Announcement ›
06/14/2024
New Jersey Law Journal

Professional Announcement


View Announcement ›