FEDERAL BURIAL BENEFIT

Service-Connected Death

A Veteran who passes away from a service-connected disability is entitled to a burial allowance.  VA will pay up to $2,000 toward burial expenses for deaths on or after September 11, 2001, or up to $1,500 for deaths prior to September 11, 2001. If the Veteran is buried in a VA national cemetery, some or all of the cost of transporting the deceased may be reimbursed.

Non-service-related Death

A Veteran who passes away from a nonservice-connected disability may be entitled to a burial, plot or interment allowance (if not buried in a national cemetery). An additional separate amount is available for transportation to a National Cemetery or from the place of death to the place of burial if the Veteran dies: 

• At a VA Medical Center
• While hospitalized at a non-VAMC under VA authorization
• Traveling under VA authorization
• As a patient of a state nursing home

The deadline for submitting the claim is two years after the date of final permanent burial or interment. Meeting any one of the following requirements will qualify the deceased Veteran for the nonservice-connected burial and plot allowances. 

• The Veteran was in receipt of compensation;
• The Veteran, at the time of his or her death, had a claim pending for compensation that would have entitle him or her to payment;
• The Veteran died while hospitalized at a VA Medical Center or while receiving care at a non-VA medical facility  under contract;
• The Veteran died while traveling under DVA authorization and expense to or from a specified place for  examination, treatment or care;
• The Veteran died while a patient at an approved state nursing home