What the VA Does and Doesn’t Cover

Understanding VA Burial Benefits: Headstones, Markers, and Flags

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers comprehensive burial benefits for eligible veterans and their dependents, including headstones or markers, burial flags, and coverage of certain funeral expenses. This guide outlines what the VA provides, eligibility criteria, and how to apply for these benefits.

VA-Funded Headstones and Markers

Eligible veterans receive headstones or markers free of charge, which can be installed in any national, state, military, or private cemetery. These markers are available in various forms:

• Upright Headstones: Available in marble or granite, typically weighing about 230 pounds.
• Flat Grave Markers: Made from granite, marble, or bronze, these markers are less obtrusive and flush with the ground.
• Bronze Niche Markers: Designed for columbarium niches, these small markers are used to denote cremation placements.
• Private Headstone or Marker Medallions: Provided for veterans who died on or after November 1, 1990, and whose graves are marked with privately purchased headstones.

Eligibility for Headstones and Markers

Veterans discharged under conditions other than dishonorable, those who die on active duty, and certain reservists and National Guard members are eligible. Spouses and dependents may also qualify if buried in a national or state veterans cemetery.

Inscriptions on Government-Provided Headstones

The government covers the cost of inscriptions, which include the veteran’s name, branch of service, and the dates of birth and death. Additional details like rank, awards, and war service can also be included.

Burial Flags

The VA provides an American flag to drape the casket or accompany the urn of a deceased veteran, which is given to the next of kin or a close associate as a keepsake after the funeral services. Flags are meant to be used for display or preservation, not for flying.

Reimbursement of Burial Expenses

While the VA does not cover costs like cremation, embalming, or caskets, it may reimburse some expenses under certain conditions:

• Service-related deaths: Up to $2,000 toward burial expenses for deaths on or after September 11, 2001.
• Non-service-related deaths: A burial and funeral expense allowance and a plot or interment allowance may be available.

Special Circumstances

• Active duty deaths: The military covers most funeral and transportation costs.
• Deaths in VA facilities: If a veteran dies in a VA facility, the VA may cover transportation costs to a national cemetery.

Application Process

Families should apply by submitting the required forms and documentation to the VA. This includes providing a copy of the DD Form 214 to establish military service and discharge status.

Replacement of Headstones and Markers

The VA replaces headstones and markers that become illegible, vandalized, or incorrectly inscribed at no cost to the family. This ensures that the veteran’s grave is always appropriately marked.

Presidential Memorial Certificates

A Presidential Memorial Certificate (PMC) is an engraved certificate signed by the current president, provided to the family of a deceased veteran. Requests can be made by relatives or friends through the VA.

Final Considerations

Understanding and accessing these benefits can significantly ease the burden on families during a challenging time. By ensuring that all paperwork and eligibility requirements are met, veterans and their families can fully utilize the benefits entitled to them by the veteran’s service.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What specific documentation is needed besides the DD Form 214 to apply for VA burial benefits?
   The article mentions the necessity of the DD Form 214 for verifying military service and discharge status, but it does not specify if additional documents, such as proof of death or application forms specific to certain benefits (like the burial flag or Presidential Memorial Certificate), are also required.
2. How can families apply for reimbursement of non-covered expenses, and what is the process?
   While the article states that certain expenses might be reimbursable under specific conditions, it does not detail how families can apply for these reimbursements, what evidence they need to provide, or the timeline for processing these claims.
3. Are there any restrictions or conditions on the placement of government-provided headstones or markers in private cemeteries?
   The article mentions that veterans are eligible for headstones and markers in any cemetery, but it does not clarify if there are any specific regulations or conditions that must be met when placing these in private cemeteries, especially regarding marker types and the process for setting them up.