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38 U.S.C. 1121: Basic entitlementText contains those laws in effect through Public Law 119-120 (October 7, 2026).
From Title 38-VETERANS’ BENEFITSCHAPTER 11-COMPENSATION FOR SERVICE-CONNECTED DISABILITY OR DEATH

§1121. Basic entitlement

The surviving spouse, child or children, and dependent parent or parents of any veteran who died before January 1, 1957 as the result of injury or disease incurred in or aggravated by active military, naval, or air service, in line of duty, during a period of war, shall be entitled to receive compensation at the monthly rates specified in section 1122 of this title.

( Pub. L. 85–857 , Sept. 2, 1958 , 72 Stat. 1122 , § 321; Pub. L. 92–197, § 6 , Dec. 15, 1971 , 85 Stat. 662 ; Pub. L. 94–433, title IV, § 404(12) , Sept. 30, 1976 , 90 Stat. 1378 ; renumbered § 1121 and amended Pub. L. 102–83, § 5(a) , (c)(1), Aug. 6, 1991 , 105 Stat. 406 .)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1991⁠—Pub. L. 102–83, § 5(a), renumbered section 321 of this title as this section.

Pub. L. 102–83, § 5(c)(1), substituted “1122” for “322”.

1976⁠—Pub. L. 94–433 substituted “spouse” for “widow”.

1971⁠—Pub. L. 92–197 struck out eligibility clause when the veteran died after April 30, 1957, under circumstances described in section 417(a) of this title.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1976 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 94–433 effective Oct. 1, 1976, see section 406 of Pub. L. 94–433, set out as a note under section 1101 of this title.

Effective Date of 1971 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 92–197 effective Jan. 1, 1972, see section 10 of Pub. L. 92–197, set out as a note under section 1311 of this title.