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What Most Veterans Get Wrong About Burial Allowances

#1: You Are Entitled to Burial Benefits Based on Classification

It is important to understand how a veteran's service classification influences what they are eligible for upon their passing. Enlisted members in the U.S. military, identified by pay grades ranging from E-1 to E-9, form the backbone of the armed forces, holding positions from entry-level duties to senior non-commissioned officer roles that require extensive experience and leadership skills.

Classification E-1 to E-9 Benefits: Any veteran identified by pay grade ranging from E-1 to E-9 and a discharge under conditions other than dishonorable is eligible for the following benefits at no cost to the family:

• a space at the West Texas State Veterans Cemetery including opening and closing of the grave
• a government headstone or marker
• a burial flag, folding, and presentation
• a Presidential Memorial Certificate

Classification O-1 up to O-10 In the US military, officers have a separate ranking system, typically starting from O-1 up to O-10, depending on the branch. The officer ranks denote commissioned officers who generally have a higher level of authority, responsibility, and educational requirements compared to enlisted personnel. These veterans with officer status especially (O-6 and above), generally receive:

• the same core burial benefits as enlisted service members
• a larger ceremonial detail
• participation of senior officers
• more formal procedures

For very senior officers (e.g., generals or admirals), the honors could include:

• a military band
• an escort platoon
• a flyover by military aircraft
• circumstances and resources permitting, an escort platoon from their respective service may participate in the funeral, providing a guard of honor that adds solemnity and prestige to the ceremony

#2: With Pensions and Special Considerations You May Be Entitled to Hidden Perks and Enhanced Benefits

A burial allowance from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to help cover funeral and burial expenses, outside a veterans' cemetery, is primarily determined by the circumstances surrounding a veteran’s death and their status at the time of death. The veteran must have been discharged under conditions other than dishonorable to qualify for any burial benefits, including the burial allowance. Key eligibility criteria: Service-Connected Death; Non-Service-Connected Death; or Death in a VA Facility

Service-Connected Death: If a veteran dies as a result of a service-connected disability, the VA may pay a higher burial allowance. This includes veterans who were receiving VA disability benefits for service-connected conditions at the time of their death. VA offers up to $2,000 towards burial expenses.

Non-Service-Connected Death: If the veteran's death isn't service-connected but the veteran was receiving a VA pension or compensation at the time of death or was entitled to receive it (but was not because their income was too high), the family may be eligible for a smaller burial allowance.

Death in a VA Facility: If the veteran dies in a VA hospital, or while under VA-contracted nursing home care, additional benefits might be available, regardless of whether the death was service-connected. The family may receive up to $828 for burial and funeral expenses, with an additional $828 for a plot-interment allowance. If the death occurs outside a VA facility, the allowance is up to $300 for burial expenses, plus up to $828 for the plot.

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