Almaden Valley Lawyers®
Veteran Wants to Know About Veteran's Death BenefitsQuestionI served in the US Army during the Viet Nam war (it wasn't just a "conflict"), and I am curious about benefits that may be available from the government upon my passing. Is there anything available or is my family just left on their own? Where can I go for additional information? I realize this isn't a legal question as such, but the information would be nice to know.Ray R. Dear Ray:Thank you for your email about possible death benefits available for our country's veterans and their families. And your question is in fact a legal question after all, since you and your family may well be entitled under the law to certain benefits.Having served in the United States Navy as a young naval officer many years ago, I have a soft spot in my heart for veterans. So, if this column sounds rather biased from time to time in favor of veterans, you know why. First of all, your family is entitled to a burial flag. The flag is provided at no cost to drape the casket or accompany the urn of a deceased veteran who served honorably in the U.S. armed forces. It is furnished to honor the memory of a veteran's military service to his or her country. The flag is given to the next-of-kin as a keepsake after its use during the funeral service. If you leave no next-of-kin, the flag is given to a friend making the request for it. Application may be made by completing VA Form 21-2008, Application for United States Flag for Burial Purposes at any VA regional office or U.S. Post Office. To contact the VA regional office, call 1-800-827-1000, or log online to: http://www.cem.va.gov/cem/bbene/bflags.asp. Family or friends may also apply for a Presidential Memorial Certificate. This is an attractive engraved paper certificate, signed by the current President of the United States to honor the memory of honorably discharged deceased veterans. Eligible recipients include the deceased veteran's next of kin and loved ones. Application for the Presidential Memorial Certificate may be made at any VA regional office or by U.S. mail only. As with all VA benefits, have a copy of your DD-214 ready to prove you served in the Armed Forces of the United States. Certain VA burial allowances are also available, some of which are dependent on whether the death was service- related or not. Burial in a VA National Cemetery is possible along with appropriate headstones and markers. Your family or friends would fill out VA form 21-530, Application for Burial Benefits. They would also attach a copy of your DD-214, a death certificate, and copies of paid funeral and burial bills. For more information, you can call: 1-800-827-1000 or visit: http://www.cem.va.gov. The VA's main website is http://www.va.gov. You can then go to "benefits" and then "survivors" or select other areas, such as "applications", "inquiries", or other areas as well. Most veterans and some dependents can be buried in a VA national cemetery. The VA can pay a burial allowance of $2,000 for veterans who die of service-related causes. For certain other veterans, the VA can pay $300 for burial and funeral expenses and $300 for a burial plot. During your lifetime, certain health care benefits are available, usually depending upon income levels. For specific information, log onto: http://www.va.gov/healtheligibility/Library/pubs/VAIncomeThresholds/. If you are internet challenged, Ray, have a friend, neighbor, or family member help you obtain information online. There is wealth of free information available about veterans benefits, and rightly so for our nation's veterans. You guys (male and female "guys") have earned it!! Donald J. DeVries
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