VETERAN SERVICES
Many of us take our freedoms for granted, but our staff at
proudly acknowledges the sacrifices made by those who have served our country through their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to protect others. We are proud to have a veteran among the family members who share our ownership. Being veteran-owned is your assurance that when we say we appreciate our veterans, we mean it.
Our staff is committed to providing quality service and professional assistance to help families complete the necessary forms to obtain benefits that are provided through the United States Department of Veterans Affairs for deceased veterans.
What are VA burial benefits and memorial items?
The VA burial benefits are designed to assist service members, veterans, and their families plan and pay for a burial or memorial service in a VA national cemetery. Memorial items are provided through the Veterans Affairs to honor the service of those who have served the 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, as well as other benefits, if they meet one of the requirements listed below:
- A veteran who didn’t 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,” a rifle detail, a color guard and uniformed service members who properly fold and present the United States flag to the grieving family. These flags are typically given to the deceased’s next of kin or close friend. In order for the survivors to qualify to receive the burial flag, the veteran or reservist must be described by 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 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.
Mueller-Bies will obtain the veteran's burial flag on your behalf. If you are having a service with military funeral honors, the honor guard will formally present the flag we have obtained to the next-of-kin.
What are burial benefits and how do I apply?
The veterans death benefits help cover the burial, funeral and transportation costs associated with the deceased’s services and disposition. For those being buried in a national cemetery, survivors can receive assistance with the burial and funeral costs, the plot or internment, and the transporting of the veteran’s remains for burial.
A claim for a non-service-connected burial allowance must be filed within two years after the veteran’s burial or cremation. There is no time limit to file for a service-connected burial, plot or interment allowance.
We will do this filing on your behalf.
You can also apply online at https://www.va.gov/burials-and-memorials/application/530/introduction or by mail after completing the VA Form 21P-530.
A veteran who didn’t receive a dishonorable discharge or a service member who died while on active duty may be eligible for a headstone or marker if they meet certain requirements. To find out if your deceased loved one qualifies, visit https://www.va.gov/burials-memorials/memorial-items/headstones-markers-medallions/.
Again, Mueller-Bies will submit the application on your behalf.
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.
What documentation do I need?
All veterans burial benefits, including a flag, marker/monument, burial allowance, Presidential memorial certificates, medallions, and/or burial in a National Cemetery, will require a copy of the veteran's form DD-214 (or equivalent separation document for those discharged before 1950).
If you do not have a copy of the DD-214, we will be happy to try to help you obtain a copy from state or federal veterans agencies. Copies can be requested from the National Archives or from your local veterans service officer. We suggest doing this as soon as possible! Inability to provide a DD-214 can delay services and prevent your obtaining of benefits, and the national offices often have lengthy backlogs and delays. Please begin the process of obtaining a copy as soon as possible, and file a copy with us for safekeeping once you have it.
T.A.P.S. (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors)
The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) offers compassionate care to all those grieving the loss of a loved one who died while serving in our Armed Forces or as a result of his or her service. Since 1994, TAPS has provided comfort and hope 24/7 through a national peer support network and connection to grief resources, all at no cost to surviving families and loved ones.
