Veterans Service
Veterans Burial Services Pottsvilla, PA
Because courageous men and women answered the call to serve our country, we are able to enjoy the freedoms we do every day. We at Schlitzer Allen Pugh Funeral Home sincerely respect the sacrifices made by veterans as a result of their patriotism, commitment to their nation, and selfless readiness to defend others.
Our employees are committed to giving veteran families outstanding service and informed support. We assist you in completing all required paperwork and assist you in obtaining the benefits that the US Department of Veterans Affairs offers to veterans and service members who have passed away.
What are VA burial benefits and memorial items?
VA burial benefits are designed to help veterans, service members, and their families plan and pay for funeral or memorial services. Burial in a VA national cemetery at no cost to the family is one of these benefits. Veterans Affairs provides memorial items to commemorate and acknowledge the devoted service of those who defended our country.
Who qualifies for burial benefits and burial in a national cemetery?
If they fulfill one of the following criteria, veterans, service members, spouses, and dependents may be eligible for burial in a VA national cemetery as well as other benefits:
- A veteran who did not receive a dishonorable discharge
- A service member who died while on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty for training
- The spouse or minor child of a veteran, even if the veteran died first
- In some cases, the unmarried adult dependent child of a veteran
What are military funeral honors and a committal service?
The playing of "Taps," a rifle detail, a color guard, and uniformed service members who ceremoniously fold and present the US flag to the bereaved family are all part of the dignified tribute that military funeral honors offer. These flags are given to a close friend or the deceased's next of kin. The veteran or reservist must fulfill at least one of the following requirements in order to be eligible for the burial flag:
- Served in wartime
- Died while serving on active duty after May 27, 1941
- Served after January 31, 1955
- Served in peacetime and left military service before June 27, 1950, after serving at least one enlistment or because of a disability that was caused - or made worse - by their active military service
- Served in the Selected Reserves, or served in the military forces of the Philippines while in service of the United States and died on or after April 25, 1951.
What are burial benefits and how do I apply?
The burial, funeral, and transportation expenses related to the deceased's services and final disposition are partially covered by veterans' death benefits. Survivors of veterans interred in a national cemetery may be eligible for reimbursement for burial and funeral expenses, plot or interment costs, and transportation of the veteran's remains.
After the veteran is buried or cremated, you have two years to submit a claim for a non-service-connected burial allowance. Applying for a service-connected burial, plot, or interment allowance has no deadline.
After filling out VA Form 21P-530, you can apply by mail or online at
https://www.va.gov/burials-and-memorials/application/530/introduction.
A government-furnished headstone or marker may be available to a service member who passed away while on active duty or to a veteran who did not receive a dishonorable discharge.
Go to https://www.va.gov/burials-memorials/memorial-items/headstones-markers-medallions/ to find out if your departed loved one is eligible.
The Department of Veterans Affairs also provides headstones for unmarked graves of eligible deceased veterans at no charge. To request a headstone, grave marker, or niche marker, complete VA Form 40-1330 and send to:
Memorial Products Service (41B)
Department of Veterans Affairs
5109 Russell Road
Quantico, VA 22134-3903
For more information regarding VA burial benefits and memorial items, visit https://www.va.gov/burials-memorials/ or contact the VA office at 1-800-827-1000.
FAQ
Does Schlitzer Allen Pugh Funeral Home help with VA paperwork and benefits claims?
Yes, our knowledgeable staff helps families complete the paperwork and forms required to receive burial benefits for veterans. We recognize that navigating the VA system can be overwhelming at a time when things are already challenging. Our team guides you through the application process for burial allowances, headstones, markers, and other memorial items. Additionally, we work directly with local honor guard units to arrange rifle details, flag presentations, and the playing of taps for military funeral honors on your behalf.
What military honors are provided at a veteran's funeral?
Military funeral honors, at the very least, involve two uniformed service members folding and presenting the American flag to the next of kin while taps are played. A color guard, additional uniformed personnel, and a rifle detail firing three volleys are examples of full military honors. The rank of the veteran and the availability of honor guard members determine the degree of honors. By coordinating all arrangements with military personnel, our funeral home makes sure your loved one gets the respect they deserve for their service to our nation.
Can a veteran's spouse be buried in a national cemetery?
Yes, even if the veteran passed away first, eligible spouses and dependents may be buried alongside them in a VA national cemetery. The veteran's service determines the spouse's eligibility. Minors and, in certain situations, dependent children of unmarried adults are also eligible. In national cemeteries, the gravesite, grave opening and closing, and ongoing care are all free. However, expenses like the casket, funeral services, and cemetery transportation are the responsibility of the families. Our staff can assist in making arrangements and determining your family's eligibility. Try again
