PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 108-613.
Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in Senate · Jun 5, 2003
Veterans' Survivor Benefits Act of 2003 - Repeals the limitation (benefits due and unpaid for not to exceed two years) on the accrued benefits required to be paid by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs upon the death of a veteran or other beneficiary. Provides that, upon the death of a child claiming benefits as a child of a Vietnam veteran, such benefits shall be paid to the surviving parents.
Authorizes the substitution of any of the following parties in the case of a veteran's claim for benefits provided through the Department of Veterans Affairs when the original claimant dies while the claim is pending: (1) the surviving spouse; (2) the custodian of a surviving minor or incapable child; (3) a child between 18 and 21 years of age pursuing a program of education; (4) a dependent parent; or (5) in the case of the death of a child claiming benefits as a child of a Vietnam veteran, a surviving parent.
Authorizes the substitution of the above eligible parties in cases pending before a U.S. Circuit Court or the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.
People & committees
Sen. Murray, Patty [D-WA] · D–WA
Legislative record
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Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 108-613.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Introduced in Senate
Primary sources
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Source last updated: May 29, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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