If you know/ know of any surviving spouse of veteran with wartime service, they may be entitled to a death pension. Death pension may be payable when:
1. the death of a veteran with wartime service is not due to service, and
2. income is within applicable limits. VA may pay a higher rate of pension to a surving spouse who is blind, in a nursing home or who is permanently confined to his or her home because of a disability.
The death pension is not payable from a date earlier than the date the claim is received in the VA.

... ... My dad passed away in 1998. My mom could have been receiving these benefits since that time. However, we only recently found out about this little known benefit. See VA form 21-534. I strongly suggest that you speak with someone who can help you to fill out the form correctly, so that it won't be rejected for something you may overlook in completing it. Spread the word!!!!
http://www.veteranaid.org/apply.php