Burial Eligibility at VA Cemeteries

Key Points from the Honor Flight Encounter

• A Veteran and caregiver inquired about eligibility for burial at a VA cemetery.
• The inquiry was of interest to others present, highlighting its importance.

VA Cemeteries Overview

• Number of Cemeteries: 156 across the United States.
• Service Quality: Known for high satisfaction levels among users.

Eligibility Criteria for Burial

• General Eligibility:
  • Must have served on active duty.
  • Discharge must be anything but dishonorable.
• Family Members:
  • Spouses and dependents can also be buried at VA cemeteries if related to an eligible service member.
• Guard and Reserves:
  • Eligibility rules are more complex; recommended to check online for details.

How to Determine Eligibility

• Pre-Need Eligibility Determination:
  • Conducted via VA.gov.
  • Provides confirmation of eligibility before passing.

Required Information for Pre-Need Application

• Veteran’s name
• Social Security Number
• Date and place of birth
• Information about the service
• Copy of the DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty)

Recommendations

• Why Apply Now:
  • To avoid burdening family members during difficult times.
  • Simplifies the process by dealing with paperwork proactively.

Additional Support

• Contact Information:
  • For assistance, call (800) 535-1117, Option 4.

Conclusion

• Applying for Pre-Need eligibility ensures peace of mind for veterans and their families, allowing them to plan efficiently for the future.