Understanding VA Burial Benefits: Honoring Our Heroes

Honoring the service and sacrifice of our nation’s veterans is a responsibility that extends beyond their military careers. When a veteran passes away, it is essential that they are laid to rest with the dignity and respect they deserve. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides a range of burial benefits to ensure that veterans receive proper honors and that their families are supported during this difficult time. This blog offers a comprehensive guide to VA burial benefits, including eligibility, available services, and how to plan for a veteran’s funeral. Warrior Allegiance is here to support veterans and their families every step of the way.

Overview of VA Burial Benefits

VA burial benefits are designed to honor veterans by providing burial and memorial services at national cemeteries, financial assistance for funeral expenses, and other services to help ease the burden on families during their time of loss.

Key Benefits Include:

• Burial in a VA National Cemetery: Eligible veterans can be buried in one of the many VA national cemeteries, where they receive a gravesite, opening and closing of the grave, perpetual care, and a government headstone or marker at no cost to the family.
• Headstones, Markers, and Medallions: The VA provides government-furnished headstones or markers for the graves of eligible veterans in any cemetery, worldwide. For those buried in private cemeteries, the VA offers medallions that can be affixed to existing headstones.
• Presidential Memorial Certificates: The VA offers Presidential Memorial Certificates, signed by the sitting president, to the families of deceased veterans to honor their service.
• Burial Flags: The VA provides a U.S. flag to drape the casket or accompany the urn of a deceased veteran. This flag is typically presented to the next of kin as a keepsake.
• Reimbursement for Burial Expenses: The VA may provide a burial allowance to help cover the costs of a veteran’s funeral and burial. The amount depends on the circumstances of the veteran’s death and other factors.

Eligibility for VA Burial Benefits

Not all veterans are automatically eligible for VA burial benefits. Eligibility is determined based on the veteran’s service history, discharge status, and other factors.

General Eligibility Criteria:

• Veterans: Generally, veterans who served in the active military, naval, or air service and were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable are eligible for VA burial benefits.
• Service Members: Service members who die while on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training are also eligible.
• Reservists and National Guard Members: Members of the Reserve or National Guard who die while on active duty or as a result of a service-related injury or illness may be eligible. Retired members of the Reserve or National Guard who are entitled to retired pay are also eligible.
• Spouses and Dependents: The spouse and dependent children of an eligible veteran or service member are generally eligible for burial in a VA national cemetery, even if the veteran is not buried there.

Specific Eligibility for Burial in a VA National Cemetery:

• Discharge Status: The veteran must have been discharged under conditions other than dishonorable. Veterans with dishonorable discharges are typically not eligible for VA burial benefits, although there are some exceptions.
• Length of Service: In some cases, the length of service may impact eligibility. For example, veterans who enlisted after September 7, 1980, must have served at least 24 continuous months or the full period for which they were called to active duty.

Available VA Burial Services

The VA offers a range of burial services to honor veterans and support their families. These services ensure that veterans are laid to rest with dignity and respect.

1. Burial in a VA National Cemetery

Burial in a VA national cemetery is one of the most significant benefits available to veterans. This service includes:

• Gravesite: The veteran is provided with a gravesite in a VA national cemetery, which is a final resting place that is maintained in perpetuity.
• Opening and Closing of the Grave: The VA covers the cost of opening and closing the grave, as well as the cost of the grave liner, if required.
• Perpetual Care: The VA provides perpetual care for the gravesite, ensuring that it remains well-maintained and dignified.
• Headstone or Marker: The VA furnishes a government headstone or marker for the veteran’s grave. The family can choose from a variety of styles and materials.

2. Headstones, Markers, and Medallions

The VA provides government-furnished headstones or markers for the graves of eligible veterans in any cemetery, worldwide, at no cost to the family.

• Headstones and Markers: Available for both VA national cemeteries and private cemeteries, these are made of durable materials like marble or granite and are inscribed with the veteran’s name, rank, branch of service, and dates of birth and death.
• Medallions: For veterans buried in private cemeteries who already have a headstone or marker, the VA offers a bronze medallion that can be affixed to the existing grave marker to denote military service.

3. Presidential Memorial Certificates

The VA provides Presidential Memorial Certificates to the families of deceased veterans. These certificates, which bear the president’s signature, express the nation’s gratitude for the veteran’s service.

• Requesting Certificates: Families can request multiple certificates, which are suitable for framing and are a meaningful keepsake.

4. Burial Flags

The VA provides an American flag to drape the casket or accompany the urn of a deceased veteran. After the funeral service, the flag is typically presented to the next of kin as a keepsake.

• Flag Presentation: The flag is presented to the family during the burial service, often by a military honor guard, as a symbol of the nation’s gratitude.

5. Burial Allowance

The VA provides a burial allowance to help cover the costs of a veteran’s funeral and burial. The amount of the allowance depends on several factors, including whether the death was service-connected and where the burial takes place.

• Service-Connected Death: If the veteran’s death was related to military service, the VA may provide a higher burial allowance to cover funeral and burial expenses.
• Non-Service-Connected Death: For veterans who die of non-service-connected causes, the VA provides a lesser allowance to help with funeral and burial costs.

How to Plan a Veteran’s Funeral with Dignity and Respect

Planning a veteran’s funeral involves several steps, from determining eligibility for VA burial benefits to coordinating the funeral service. Here’s how to ensure that the process is handled with dignity and respect.

1. Determine Eligibility

Before planning a funeral, it’s important to determine the veteran’s eligibility for VA burial benefits. This can be done by:

• Contacting the VA: Reach out to the VA National Cemetery Administration or the VA Benefits Hotline to confirm eligibility.
• Gathering Documentation: Ensure you have the necessary documentation, such as the veteran’s DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) and other service records.

2. Choose a Burial Option

Decide whether the veteran will be buried in a VA national cemetery or a private cemetery. Consider the veteran’s wishes, as well as the preferences of the family.

• VA National Cemetery: If choosing a VA national cemetery, the family can work with the cemetery staff to select a gravesite and plan the service.
• Private Cemetery: If opting for a private cemetery, the family can still request VA-provided headstones, markers, or medallions, as well as a burial flag.

3. Plan the Funeral Service

Coordinate with funeral directors and cemetery staff to plan a funeral service that honors the veteran’s service and legacy.

• Military Honors: Consider including military honors in the service, such as a flag-folding ceremony, the playing of “Taps,” and a rifle volley.
• Personal Touches: Incorporate personal touches that reflect the veteran’s life, such as photos, music, and readings that were meaningful to them.

4. Apply for VA Burial Benefits

Submit the necessary applications for VA burial benefits, including burial allowances, headstones or markers, and Presidential Memorial Certificates.

• VA Form 21P-530: This form is used to apply for burial benefits, including burial allowances and plot interment allowances.
• Headstone or Marker Request: Use VA Form 40-1330 to request a government-furnished headstone or marker.
• Presidential Memorial Certificate Request: Submit VA Form 40-0247 to request a Presidential Memorial Certificate.

5. Follow Up and Maintain the Gravesite

After the funeral, ensure that the gravesite is properly maintained, especially if the burial took place in a private cemetery.

• VA National Cemetery: If the veteran is buried in a VA national cemetery, the VA will provide perpetual care for the gravesite.
• Private Cemetery: If the burial is in a private cemetery, the family may need to coordinate with the cemetery to ensure ongoing maintenance of the gravesite.

The Role of Warrior Allegiance in Supporting Veterans and Their Families

Warrior Allegiance is dedicated to helping veterans and their families navigate the VA burial benefits process with compassion and respect. Here’s how they assist:

Educational Resources

• Warrior Allegiance provides comprehensive information on VA burial benefits, including guides on eligibility, available services, and how to apply. They offer articles, webinars, and tools to help families plan a dignified funeral for their loved one.

Personalized Assistance

• They offer personalized assistance to help families understand their burial benefits, gather necessary documentation, and complete the application process. Their team provides one-on-one support to ensure that veterans receive the honors they deserve.

Community Support

• Warrior Allegiance fosters a supportive community where families can connect with others who have experienced similar losses. They organize events and discussions focused on honoring veterans and providing support during the grieving process.

Advocacy and Awareness

• They advocate for the recognition and honoring of veterans, raising awareness about the importance of VA burial benefits and the resources available to families. Warrior Allegiance collaborates with the VA and other organizations to enhance support for veterans and their families.

Conclusion

VA burial benefits are a vital way to honor the service and sacrifice of our nation’s veterans. By understanding the available benefits, determining eligibility, and carefully planning a dignified funeral, families can ensure that their loved ones are laid to rest with the respect they deserve. Organizations like Warrior Allegiance play a crucial role in supporting veterans and their families throughout this process, offering educational resources, personalized assistance, and community support. Embrace these resources to honor your loved one’s legacy and provide them with a fitting tribute to their service.