Veterans Crisis Line. Call 988, then press 1. Text 838255. Chat at https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/get-help-now/chat/
Veterans · dependents
DEERS does not add them to the VA check.
A spouse or child raises VA compensation only after VA adds them to the award. The combined rating has to be at least 30%. The online door still routes through the VA dependent page. Paper is VA Form 21-686c.
01
30% first. Then the person.
Ratings of 10% and 20% do not add dependent pay. At 30% or higher, add the spouse, the child, or both on the VA dependent page. A marriage certificate or birth certificate is the proof.
02
A child in school after 18 is a second form.
A child 18 to 23 in school uses VA Form 21-674 in addition to 21-686c. The VA page says when the school term has to be reported.
03
Tell VA when the marriage or the school ends.
Removing a dependent is the same door. Leaving an ex-spouse on the award is how overpayments start.