Veterans Resources

Veterans Resources

Who is eligible?

  • Veterans discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.
  • 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 in a VA hospital, in a nursing home under VA contract, or while in an approved State nursing home.

How much does the VA pay?

  • Service Related Death: VA will pay an allowance toward the burial expenses for service-related deaths. If the veteran is buried in a VA National Cemetery, some or all of the cost of transporting the decease may be reimbursed.
  • Nonservice-Related Death: VA will pay an allowance toward burial, funeral, and plot-interment costs. If the death happened while the veterain was in a VA hospital or under VA contracted nursing home care, some or all of the costs for transporting the deceased's remains may be reimbursed.

How to apply?

You can apply by filling out VA Form 21-530, Application for Burial Benefits. You should attach proof of the veteran's military service (DD 214), a death certificate, and copies of funeral and burial bills you have paid.

Burial Flags

A United States flag is provided , at no cost, to drape the casket or accompany the urn of a decease veteran who served honorably in the U.S. Armed Forces. You may apply for the flag by completing VA Form 21-2008, application for United States Flag for Burial purposes. It is furnished to honor the memory of a veteran's military service to his or her Country. Generally the flag is given to the next-of-kin, as a keepsake, after its use during the funeral service. When there is no next-of-kin, VA will furnish the flag to a friend making a request for it. For those VA National Cemeteries with an Avenue of Flags, families of veterans buried in these National Cemeteries may donate the burial flags of their loved ones to be flown on patriotic holidays.

Presidential Memorial Certificates

A Presidential Memorial Certificate (PMC) is an engraved paper certificate, signed by the current President, to honor the memory of an honorably discharged deceased veteran. The next-of-kin, or someone acting on his/her behalf, may apply for a PMC by completing VA Form 40-0247.

Military Funeral Honors

The Department of Defense (DOD) is responsible for providing military funeral honors. "Honoring Those of Served" is the title of the DOD program for providing dignified military funeral honors to veterans who have defended our Nation. Upon the family's request, Public Law 106-65 requires that every eligible veteran receive a military funeral honors ceremony, to include folding and presenting the United States burial flag and the playing of Taps.The law defines a military funeral honors detail as consisting of two or more uniformed military persons, with at least one being a member of the veteran's parent service of the armed forces.

VA National Cemeteries

Burial in a VA National Cemetery is available for eligible veterans, their spouses and dependents at no cost to the family. VA operates 122 National Cemeteries, of which 83 are open for new internments and 21 of these accept only cremated remains. The closest National Cemetery to Clinton is located on the Rock Island Arsenal Island.

Headstones and Markers

Public Law 110-157, allows the VA to furnish a Government headstone or marker for the graves of eligible veterans who on or after November 1, 1990 , regardless of whether the grave is already marked with a privately purchased headstone or marker.
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