VETERANS SERVICES
Honoring Veterans with Dignified Funeral Services
For all of us at Daleiden Mortuary, there is no greater honor than serving the family of a loved one who spent their life serving our country.
Honoring Our Veterans with Respect and Gratitude
Our staff is committed to providing quality service and professional assistance with helping families complete the necessary forms to obtain benefits that are provided to veteran families through the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.
What are VA burial benefits and memorial items?
The VA burial benefits are designed to assist service members, veterans, and their families in planning and paying for a burial or memorial service. Memorial items are provided through the Veterans Affairs to honor the service of those who have served the country. Eligible veterans are entitled to benefits ranging from military funeral honors to burial in a national cemetery.
Who qualifies for burial benefits and burial in a national cemetery?
Veterans, service members, spouses, and certain dependents may be eligible for burial in a VA national cemetery if they meet the eligibility requirements, including:
● Veterans who were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable
● Service members who passed while on active duty, active duty for training, or inactiveduty training
● The spouse of an eligible veteran, regardless of who passed away first
● Minor children of an eligible veteran and, in some cases, unmarried adult dependent children
What are military funeral honors and who qualifies for them?
Military funeral honors include the playing of Taps, a rifle detail, a color guard, and uniformed service members who properly fold and present the American flag to the grieving family. These flags are typically given to the deceased's next of kin or close friend. For the veteran or reservist to qualify for a burial flag, the serviceman or woman must be described by at least one of the following:
● Served in wartime
● Died while serving on active duty
● Served on active duty and was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable
● Was a former member of the Selected Reserve and meets federal eligibility requirements,
including completing required service or being discharged due to a service-connected disability
● Was a qualifying member of certain other federally recognized uniformed services
What are burial benefits and how do I apply?
The veterans death benefits help cover the burial, funeral and transportation costs associated with the deceased’s services and disposition. For those being buried in a national cemetery, survivors can receive assistance with the burial and funeral costs, the plot or internment, and the transportation of the veteran’s remains for burial.
You must file a claim for a non-service-connected burial allowance within two years after the veteran’s burial or cremation. There is no time limit to file for a service-connected burial, plot or interment allowance.
You can apply online at https://www.va.gov/burials-and-memorials/application/530/introduction or by mail after completing the VA Form 21P-530.
A veteran who didn’t receive a dishonorable discharge or a service member who died while on active duty may be eligible for a headstone or marker if they meet certain requirements. To find out if your deceased loved one qualifies, visit https://www.va.gov/burials-memorials/memorial-items/headstones-markers-medallions/
The Department of Veterans Affairs also provides a headstone for unmarked graves of an eligible deceased veteran at no charge. To request a headstone, grave marker, or niche marker, fill out the VA Form 10-1330 and send to:
Department of Veterans Affairs
5109 Russell Road
Quantico, VA 22134-3909
For more information regarding VA burial benefits and memorial items, visit https://www.va.gov/burials-memorials/ or contact the VA office at 1-800-827-1000.
