Helpful information regarding veterans benefits


  • The Veterans Administration in most cases does not pay for funeral, cremation or burial expenses.
  • The biggest savings for honorably discharged Veterans is a burial in a national Veterans cemetery or our local state Veterans cemetery in Medical Lake, WA. This benefit includes a cemetery space, grave liner, a headstone, or a niche for cremated remains at no cost to the Veteran. This does NOT include funeral costs or a casket. For the most accurate up to date information, please contact the WA State Veterans Cemetery in Medical Lake at #509-299-6280.
  • For Veterans who die in a Veterans Administration Facility such as a VA hospital or nursing home, please check the VA website for current reimbursement amounts.
  • Under certain conditions, the Veterans Administration will reimburse a portion of the expenses paid for funeral, cremation or cemetery costs.
  • These conditions are;
  • 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, AND
  • 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 or death, OR
  • The Veteran died on or after October 9, 1996, while a patient at a VA-approved state nursing home.

Who is Eligible?

  • In short, the Veteran must have been honorably discharged. A more detailed list of those service men and women who may apply for, and receive Veterans' burial benefits, with full military honors if they choose would include:
  • Military members on active duty or in the Selected Reserve.
  • Former military members who served on active duty and departed under conditions other than dishonorable.
  • Former military members who completed at least one term of enlistment or period of initial obligated service in the Selected Reserve and departed under conditions other than dishonorable.
  • Former military members discharged from the Selected Reserve due to a disability incurred or aggravated in the line of duty.