Veterans Services

Veterans Services

Many of us take our freedoms for granted, but the staff at Caldwell's proudly acknowledges the sacrifices made by those who have served our country. We are committed to providing compassionate, professional assistance to help families navigate the necessary paperwork and obtain the benefits available through the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.

What are VA burial benefits and memorial items?

VA burial benefits are designed to help service members, veterans, and their families plan and pay for a burial or memorial service in a VA national cemetery. Memorial items are provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs to honor those who have served our country.

Who qualifies for burial benefits and burial in a national cemetery?

Veterans, service members, spouses, and dependents may be eligible for burial in a VA national cemetery if they meet one of the following requirements:

  • 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?

Military funeral honors include the playing of "Taps" and uniformed service members who properly fold and present the United States flag to the family. Please note that not all veterans will be eligible for a full honor guard.

How do I know if my veteran will receive a flag?

The United States flag is typically presented to the next of kin or a close friend of the deceased. To qualify, the veteran or reservist must meet at least one of the following:

  • 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 completing at least one enlistment or due to a service-related disability

  • 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?

Veterans death benefits can help cover burial, funeral, and transportation costs. For those being laid to rest in a national cemetery, survivors may receive assistance with burial and funeral costs, the plot or interment, and transportation of the veteran's remains.

Claims for a non-service-connected burial allowance must be filed within two years of the veteran's burial or cremation. There is no time limit for filing a service-connected burial, plot, or interment allowance.

You can apply online at va.gov/burials-and-memorials or by mail using VA Form 21P-530.

A veteran without a dishonorable discharge, or a service member who died on active duty, may also be eligible for a headstone or marker. To learn more, visit va.gov/burials-memorials/memorial-items.

The Department of Veterans Affairs also provides a headstone for unmarked graves of eligible veterans at no charge. To request a headstone, grave marker, or niche marker, complete VA Form 10-1330 and mail it to:

Department of Veterans Affairs 5109 Russell Road Quantico, VA 22134-3909

For more information on VA burial benefits and memorial items, visit va.gov/burials-memorials or contact the VA at 1-800-827-1000.