AL94 - Comment - Dependents and Survivors - FR Doc # 06-07759

I like the fact that you have added a section allowing reinstatement of benefits to a spouse who is no longer remarried due to death of the spouse. HOWEVER, what about the widow who was not receiving the benefits BEFORE remarriage, but now due to the death of her second husband, she needs the benefits more than ever before? THERE SHOULD BE A PROVISION allowing benefits for the following circumstance: A married to V (veteran) for 30+ years. V dies. A marries B. B dies. THEN A wants benefits. Currently, the statute allows for A to receive benefits only if her second husband died before Nov. 1, 1990. But he died in JANUARY 1991. How does 90 days make a logical difference whether or not she should receive benefits? Currently she is not covered because this is not a REINSTATEMENT of benefits, but instead a first-time application, due to my understanding of the statute. 5.205(d) Thanks for your consideration.