VA burials

[Rogue Hawk]

My father passed last Wednesday. He does not have a burial plot. But the mortician said that since he is a veteran he can get a resting place from the VA. Does he have to be a war veteran? Also, who do I contact?

[ARtraveler]

Condolences on your loss. :bowdown:

If dad was a veteran...the mortician should be able to handle those particular details.

[Gwolf]

Try contacting a representative of your local American Legion chapter or if he was a war veteran, try contacting the local VFW chapter. They should have an advocate representative there who knows what you need to do and who to see. The local chapters most all have internet websites now, If not they would be in the phone book.

[Zip]

:agree: With ARtraveler :agree:

And sorry for your loss

[Gwolf]

Try contacting a representative of your local American Legion chapter or if he was a war veteran, try contacting the local VFW chapter. They should have an advocate representative there who knows what you need to do and who to see. The local chapters most all have internet websites now, If not they would be in the phone book.


The American Red Cross may also be able to offer some advice or assistance.

http://mediad.publicbroadcasting.net/p/wsiu/files/201805/vfw_and_legion.jpg

[Saluda]

Sorry for your loss.

[YIRYDE]

I am sorry for you loss.

When my wife and father passed who were both Veterans, the funeral home (different funeral homes) arranged everything with VA. I just provided the proper documentation to the funeral home.

[Beaudog]

This is the correct place contact the nearest representative. You will probably need his DD214. If you do not have it they can help get it. https://www2.illinois.gov/veterans/pages/serviceoffices.aspx

[UtahPete]

My father passed last Wednesday. He does not have a burial plot. But the mortician said that since he is a veteran he can get a resting place from the VA. Does he have to be a war veteran? Also, who do I contact?

How does the mortician know he's a vet?

Before contacting the VA, you will need to locate his DD214 form. This will a) prove he is eligible for VA benefits and b) indicate whether or not he is a 'war veteran'. The VA isn't going to do anything without that for starters. Then, google the VA to find a local office.

Neither the American Legion or the VFW can or will do anything without this information.

[CopperSpyder]

Sorry to here about your loss Roque Hawk. My thoughts are with you and your family. :pray: Where your farther was a Veteran you might want to ask PGR (Patriot Guard Riders) to stand in Honor or both escort and stand in honor.

[UtahPete]

VA will pay up to $780 toward burial and funeral expenses for deaths on or after October 1, 2018 (if hospitalized by VA at time of death), or $300 toward burial and funeral expenses (if not hospitalized by VA at time of death), and a $780 plot-interment allowance (if not buried in a national cemetery).

Burial Benefits - Compensation - Veterans Benefits Administration - VA ...

https://www.benefits.va.gov/compensation/claims-special-burial.asp

[cptjam]

Sorry for your loss. Locate his DD214, and normally, the funeral director can make all the coordinations. The American Legion.org has a post finder. Type in your zip code. Then call the post Commander, who will probably give you to his Service officer. He/She can help. I’m a Legion Service officer in Nevada. I help folks almost every week. Joe

[Rogue Hawk]

Thanks everyone for the kind words :)


He was a patient at the North Chicago VA for many years. The VA retirement home there only takes combat vets so he was a guest of the State of Illinois' retirement home. He served in Germany in the 50's, so he was not in war. He was in the 3rd Armored Division as a rifleman.

[UtahPete]

Thanks everyone for the kind words :)


He was a patient at the North Chicago VA for many years. The VA retirement home there only takes combat vets so he was a guest of the State of Illinois' retirement home. He served in Germany in the 50's, so he was not in war. He was in the 3rd Armored Division as a rifleman.

You shouldn't have any trouble obtaining the VA burial benefits then, since he is already in the VA's system. Someone at the veterans' retirement home should be able to help you with that.

[Chasinsparks]

Call your local VFW or AMVETS they have people that will help you at no charge. They will give you all the information you need, including how to obtain his DD-214.

[JerryB]

Hi Rogue Hawk,

Re: He served in Germany in the 50's, so he was not in war.

My dad died in '97. My mom & my brother dealt with the funeral home. I dealt with the local national cemetery. I could not find any DD214 but I did find his discharge papers; he served in the Pacific in the Navy in WW II. I also had a couple of photos taken during his time in the Navy.

The national cemetery could not have made it easier. Once I showed them the documents/photos that I had, they took it from there.

I would suggest that you get directly in touch with them.

No need to be a combat vet, just a vet is the only req'ment. Also, a spouse or family member of a vet is eligible.

Best of luck,

Jerry Baumchen

[SpyderConvert]

I just went through the process of being pre-approved earlier this year for myself and my wife. The local national cemetery gave me all of the information that was needed. A lot of national cemeteries are running out of space and the requirement at some of them is that you be cremated. Sorry for your loss.