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
Is there a national VA website?
October 28, 2008
Yes, the Department of Veterans Affairs has a website that you can access by going to www.va.gov and clicking on benefits tab or the burials & memorials tab.