Veterans Burial Benefits

Veterans Burial Benefits

By Joseph Parish

The vast majority of survivalists are veterans whether it is the current Mideast wars or as in my case the Vietnam era conflict. As a veteran these brave men and women are afforded certain burial rights for the completion of their service to our country. The rights include the burial within a national cemetery as well as other benefits for the deceased veteran's family. I would like to briefly review a few of these benefits as they relate to the death of the service member.

During this discussion, it is important to bear in mind that the Veterans Administration does not make any sort of funeral arrangements or establish the performance of cremations, these are strictly the concerns of the member's family. The families should make the proper arrangements with their local funeral provider to perform these services. Naturally, these services from the funeral home will be performed at the expense of the families involved.

When considering a veteran's burial within a National Cemetery keep the following clearly in mind. The burial benefits that are offered by the VA include a gravesite in one of 131 different national cemeteries. These cemeteries must have an available space in order for you to use it for your deceased veteran. If there is no space in one, perhaps room can be found in a nearby location. The benefits offered by the VA include the opening and closing of the grave site, perpetual care, a marker or headstone provided by the government, the burial flag and a Memorial Certificate from the Presidential of the United States. These services are provided at no cost to the family of the deceased veteran. In some special cases, veterans are eligible to receive a burial allowance as well. In all cases cremated remains of a loved one are interned in one of the national cemeteries with the same respect and honors as are extended to casketed remains.

If you are a spouse or dependent of a veteran, you may also be eligible to be buried in a national cemetery with the Veteran. Eligible spouses or dependents may be buried in this manner, even if they predecease the Veteran in death.

The burial benefits made available from the VA for Veterans are also valid for burial within a private cemetery as well. These features include a Government provided marker, the burial flag and the Memorial Certificate from the Presidential. Dependents however, are not covered in the case of being buried in the private cemeteries.

To find out more about these programs for veterans contact your local VA representative or coordinator and request further information. Remember, you served your time and, in some cases, made sacrifices so you deserve these benefits.

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