What condition must be met for a surviving spouse to receive DIC payments regarding a service-connected death?

The condition that must be met for a surviving spouse to receive Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) payments related to a service-connected death is that the death occurred on or after January 1, 1957. This date is significant as it marks the beginning of eligibility for DIC benefits under the current regulations set forth by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). DIC payments are specifically designed to provide financial support to surviving spouses of veterans whose death resulted from a service-related injury or illness, reflecting the importance of providing assistance for deaths that occurred under established criteria.

The timing of the veteran’s death is crucial; deaths occurring before this date would not qualify under the current DIC program guidelines. The other conditions in the choices—such as age of the spouse or the nature of the veteran’s discharge—do not determine eligibility for DIC payments in the same way that the date of death does. Thus, the correct answer directly addresses the foundational eligibility criteria for DIC benefits.