Burial Policy for Veterans

By Paul Bright

When a veteran of the armed forces dies, he may be eligible for special burial provisions that honor his service to the United States. Qualifying veterans may receive privileges such as burial in special cemeteries, headstones and certificates honoring their sacrifices. The Veterans Administration helps with these benefits in accordance to its burial policies.

Not all veterans are eligible for burial with military honors. Those who are eligible include members who died on active duty and members who were honorably discharged, along with spouses of eligible veterans. However, veterans who were convicted or prosecuted for federal capital crimes such as murder and treason are not eligible. Among the other qualifying veterans include members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines that served before July 1, 1946, Public Health Service members and World War II Merchant Mariners.

There are national veterans cemeteries in every state. According to the Veterans Affairs website, there are also five memorial service networks that cover different regions: Atlanta, Denver, Indianapolis, Oakland and Philadelphia. These network locations assist in finding burial places within the respective regions. States also have their own veteran burial cemeteries that operate under their own funding, although some may receive VA grants to improve and expand their establishments.

The VA will help pay for burials and related costs via allowances under special circumstances. If veterans died from service-related disabilities, the VA may pay up to $2,000 for deaths after Sept. 10, 2001, and $1,500 for deaths prior to that date. They will also pay $300 toward non-service related deaths. The VA will also provide allowances for veterans who died in VA-approved nursing homes after Oct. 9, 1996. Beneficiaries must apply using the VA Form 21-530.

Veterans who are buried in private cemeteries may be eligible for special markers. At the VA's expense, medallions displaying the member's service dates may be available for placement on privately purchased headstones. Granite, marble, bronze and upright headstones are also available. Inscription information will be provided by authorized representatives or next of kin. Although the headstone comes free of charge, the VA will not pay or be responsible for any placement costs in private cemeteries.

Family members can order a Presidential Memorial Certificate that honors the honorably discharged deceased veteran. It features the current president's signature and message expressing recognition for the veteran's service. To receive one, family members must fill out the VA Form 40-0247 application. Applications can also be made in person at any VA regional office.

http://www.lenderva.com