Law.com Subscribers SAVE 30%

Call 855-808-4530 or email [email protected] to receive your discount on a new subscription.

The Veterans Survivor Benefits Scheme, the Unlawful Marriage and CUE

By Janice G. Inman

The validity of most marriages is rarely challenged. We know when the marriage took place, as evidenced by official papers, and we know just as well when it ended … if it did. In those unusual situations in which an attempted marriage is not legal, there isn't much anyone can do about it. Either a marriage is valid or it's not. Period.

The case of Lewis v. Shulkin, 2017 U.S. App. Vet. Claims LEXIS 478 (3/30/17), heard by the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, shows us one instance in which an attempted but not legal marriage just might have a chance to be recognized, at least for the purposes of determining government benefits. The case was brought by Geraldine Lewis against David J. Shulkin in his capacity as Secretary of Veterans Affairs, after she was denied survivor benefits following the death of her formerly active-duty military husband (assumed). To get a different outcome, Geraldine Lewis will need to surmount one giant hurdle: She will need to show clear and unmistakable error (CUE) in the denial of her claim.

This premium content is locked for Entertainment Law & Finance subscribers only

  • Stay current on the latest information, rulings, regulations, and trends
  • Includes practical, must-have information on copyrights, royalties, AI, and more
  • Tap into expert guidance from top entertainment lawyers and experts

For enterprise-wide or corporate acess, please contact Customer Service at [email protected] or 877-256-2473

Read These Next
Law Firms are Reducing Redundant Real Estate by Bringing Support Services Back to the Office Image

A trend analysis of the benefits and challenges of bringing back administrative, word processing and billing services to law offices.

Bankruptcy Sales: Finding a Diamond In the Rough Image

There is no efficient market for the sale of bankruptcy assets. Inefficient markets yield a transactional drag, potentially dampening the ability of debtors and trustees to maximize value for creditors. This article identifies ways in which investors may more easily discover bankruptcy asset sales.

Bit Parts Image

Summary Judgment Denied Defendant in Declaratory Action by Producer of To Kill a Mockingbird Broadway Play Seeking Amateur Theatrical Rights

Risks of “Baseball Arbitration” in Resolving Real Estate Disputes Image

“Baseball arbitration” refers to the process used in Major League Baseball in which if an eligible player's representative and the club ownership cannot reach a compensation agreement through negotiation, each party enters a final submission and during a formal hearing each side — player and management — presents its case and then the designated panel of arbitrators chooses one of the salary bids with no other result being allowed. This method has become increasingly popular even beyond the sport of baseball.

Disconnect Between In-House and Outside Counsel Image

'Disconnect Between In-House and Outside Counsel is a continuation of the discussion of client expectations and the disconnect that often occurs. And although the outside attorneys should be pursuing how inside-counsel actually think, inside counsel should make an effort to impart this information without waiting to be asked.