Burial Reimbursements

VA burial allowances are partial reimbursements of an eligible Veteran’s burial and funeral costs. When the cause of death is not service related, the reimbursements are generally described as two payments:  (1) a burial and funeral expense allowance, and (2) a plot or interment allowance.

Who Is Eligible?

You may be eligible for a VA burial allowance if:

• you paid for a Veteran’s burial or funeral, AND
• you have not been reimbursed by another government agency or some other source, such as the deceased Veteran’s employer, AND
• the Veteran was discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.
  

In addition, at least one of the following conditions must be met:

• the Veteran died because of a service-related disability, OR
• the Veteran was receiving VA pension or compensation at the time of death, OR
• the Veteran was entitled to receive VA pension or compensation, but decided not to reduce his/her military retirement or disability pay, OR
• the Veteran died while hospitalized by VA, or while receiving care under VA contract at a non-VA facility, OR
• the Veteran died while traveling under proper authorization and at VA expense to or from a specified place for the purpose of examination, treatment, or care, OR
• the Veteran had an original or reopened claim pending at the time of death and has been found entitled to compensation or pension from a date prior to the date of death, OR
• the Veteran died on or after October 9, 1996, while a patient at a VA–approved state nursing home.

Our office can assist you with applying for this benefit, or any of the benefits listed on these pages. Please call us at 910-253-2233 to schedule an appointment. Bring the veteran’s death certificate and DD-214 military discharge with you. If applying for the burial benefit, bring the itemized funeral bill and paid receipt with you.