The Veterans Administration in most cases does not pay for funeral, cremation or burial expenses.
The biggest saving for honorably discharged veterans is burial in a national Veterans cemetery or our local state veterans cemetery in Medical Lake, WA. This benefit includes a cemetery space, grave liner, niche for cremated remains and a headstone 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 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.
You can apply for VA burial benefits online at https://www.va.gov/
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.
