Can we reserve a gravesite in a national cemetery?
October 28, 2008
No. National cemeteries bury on a first come basis. Space is normally available for all veterans. New cemeteries are being developed and existing cemeteries are being expanded to assure availability for all veterans
What does a national cemetery charge?
October 28, 2008
Burial at a national cemetery is a free benefit for being an honorably discharged veteran. The marker, opening and closing of the gravesite, perpetual care and anything else related to the cemetery is free
Can a veteran’s spouse or child who dies first be buried in national cemeteries?
October 28, 2008
Yes, if they meet the criteria listed in the prior question, they are eligible to be interred under veteran’s rights
Who is eligible for burial in national cemeteries?
October 28, 2008
• A veteran who comPleted the required period of military service and has been discharged or separated from active duty under conditions other than dishonorable
• Veteran’s spouses and children under 21 years of age, and dependent children over 21 who have been dependent on the parents from childhood
Arrangements for burial at a National Cemetery are to be made through the mortuary
What about memorial markers?
October 28, 2008
VA will provide memorial markers for eligible veterans of deceased service members who remains were:
• not recovered or identified
• buried at sea
• donated to science
• cremated and scattered
The memorial marker must be placed in a national, state veterans, local or private cemetery. – If the placement of the marker is in a state, local or private cemetery:
• Va supplies the marker
• The marker is ordered through the funeral home or cemetery
• VA pays the cost of shipping
• VA does NOT pay for the plot or the placement of the headstone or marker. You will be given a choice of emblems that can be engraved upon the marker
How do we arrange military funeral honors?
October 28, 2008
• Military funeral honors include the playing of taps, a flag presentation and gun salute
• Arrangements for military honors are made by the mortuary of family
How do we get an American Flag for burial?
October 28, 2008
• If the veteran’s death is in a VA Medical Center, a burial flag will be furnished to the mortuary which will be given to the family or a close associate of the deceased veteran
• If a veteran’s death is within the community, the mortuary will help the family to get a American Flag for burial
Who may file a claim and is there a time limit?
October 28, 2008
• Only the person who paid the veteran’s burial expenses may file a claim for reimbursement Call the VA regional office at 1(800)827-1000 for more information
• There is no time limit for filing reimbursement claims of service-connected death
• In other deaths, claims must be filed within two years after permanent burial or cremation
What is the reimbursement for mortuary and burial expenses?
October 28, 2008
The VA will pay:
• $300 for funeral costs when death occurs within..
…a VA facility
…a nursing home under VA contract
…a state veterans nursing home
• $300 for burial (if buried in a private cemetery)
• Up to $2000 if the veteran’s death is service-connected
• Transportation cost of the remains may be paid
Who can receive mortuary and burial allowances?
October 28, 2008
• Any veteran whose death occurs..
…as an inpatient at a VA Facility
…as a patient in a nursing home under VA contract
…as a patient in a state veterans nursing home
• Any veteran who at the time of death was entitled to receive pension or compensation or would have been entitled to receipt of military retirement pay