Veterans Funeral Benefits
The Department of Veterans Affairs is the government agency charged with the administration of veterans' funeral benefits. It also operates the National Cemetery Administration, which is in charge of 130 national cemeteries. In addition, the VA is tasked with providing the means and resources to veterans' families for the dignified burial of the veteran.
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History
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In July 1862, Congress authorized the president to purchase land for national cemeteries. The cemeteries would be for the interment of military personnel who had been killed while serving their country. By 1870, there were more than 300,000 war dead buried in 73 national cemeteries. In 1873, all honorably discharged military veterans became eligible for burial in national cemeteries.
Burial Benefits
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Burial benefits include a gravesite in a national cemetery, opening and closing of the grave, a headstone or marker provided at government expense, a burial flag and lifetime care and maintenance of the gravesite. Funeral or cremation services are not provided by the VA and are at the expense of the veteran's family. Some eligible veterans may receive a burial allowance to defray some of the costs associated with the burial.
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National Cemeteries
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Eligible veterans can be buried in the cemetery of their choice. National cemeteries have historically been located near major metropolitan areas or where there is a heavy concentration of eligible veterans.
Headstones and Markers
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Headstones and grave markers are provided to the veteran's family free. The veteran can choose from several inscription options and can have the name of his spouse or eligible dependant placed on the reverse side of the headstone. For veterans who choose to purchase a private headstone, a headstone medallion of their service will be provided free.
Burial Flags
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Burial flags are provided to the veteran's family free. The flag is draped over the coffin during the funeral service and is folded and presented to the family before burial. Families can donate the burial flag to the national cemetery where the veteran is buried; the donated flag will be flown on the Avenue of Flags during patriotic holidays or special events. The donated flag will be stored and maintained by the cemetery staff when it is not displayed, and the family will receive a Certificate of Appreciation for the donated flag.
Military Honor Details
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Public law mandates that a military honor detail be provided for the burial of any eligible veteran upon request by the veteran or the family. The detail will be at least two members of the military or approved veterans service organization, with one member of the detail being of the same military branch as the deceased. The detail will perform the flag-folding and presentation ceremony as well as the playing of taps.
Eligibility
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Eligibility is based on the type of discharge the veteran receives. Veterans who separate with an honorable discharge are eligible for burial benefits. Military personnel killed in the line of duty are eligible as are veterans of active-duty service with 24 months of continuous service. Reservists called up for active duty who have completed their full active-duty period are eligible. Veterans who receive an unfavorable discharge other than dishonorable, may qualify upon approval by a VA Regional Office review. Veterans who are separated with a dishonorable discharge do not qualify for any benefits.
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