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Losing a loved one is difficult no matter the circumstances. When that loved one is a veteran who honorably served our country, it can be comforting to know that burial and memorialization benefits may be available to help give them a final tribute and resting place that recognizes their service. Whatley Funeral Planning understands the importance of respectfully commemorating veterans’ duty to our nation. We’re here to compassionately guide families through burial options, memorial ceremonies, and securing veteran death benefits.
Veterans who were discharged under honorable conditions can be laid to rest in one of 135 national cemeteries located throughout the country. These cemeteries provide perpetual care of gravesites and inscribe the veteran’s name and service dates on a complementary headstone. Families may choose either a flat grave marker or traditional upright headstone in granite, marble, or bronze. If cremated remains are placed in a columbarium, a bronze niche marker is provided.
The veteran will receive a burial flag that is respectfully folded by military members and presented to the next of kin during funeral honors. A bugler sounding the solemn notes of Taps and an Honor Guard detail to perform flag folding are also part of standard military funeral honors. For those who pass away due to service-related causes, Veterans Affairs will reimburse up to $2,000 of funeral or cremation costs. The reimbursement is up to $749 if the death occurs in a VA facility and up to $300 for other qualifying veterans.
To receive reimbursement for funeral expenses or burial allowances, the VA needs documentation as evidence. We know this can be a frustrating process during an already challenging time.
Whatley Funeral Planning is here to guide families through gathering what’s required. We’ll need proof the veteran was honorably discharged, like a DD214 form. Also submit any original funeral bills and receipts you paid showing the services provided and total costs. It’s helpful to request an itemized statement from the funeral home detailing the expenses paid for the veteran’s services.
Providing complete evidence allows the VA claims process to run more smoothly. Our dedicated team maintains organized records to make verification stress-free. At Whatley Funeral Planning, we handle all the paperwork so you can focus fully on honoring your loved one’s life and service.
Choosing a final resting place is deeply personal for veterans and their families. That’s why Whatley Funeral Planning provides comprehensive guidance so you can honor wishes with dignity, whether you choose a traditional burial or cremation memorial service.
Our knowledgeable team walks you through all the options at national cemeteries across the country. We’ll explain up front what’s covered, like burial plots, headstones, ceremonies and more. With us as your advocate, you can focus on what matters most – remembering and celebrating a lifetime of service. We’re invested in your family before, during and after the funeral, ensuring every detail is handled with care and respect. At Whatley Funeral Planning, we’re privileged to stand beside veterans on this meaningful journey. Let us simplify logistics so you can focus on what your loved one’s legacy means to you. We’re here to shoulder the burden and bring light to this difficult transition.
To secure military funeral honors, burial benefits, and financial assistance is obtaining the veteran’s DD-214 discharge paperwork or approved substitute form if older records were damaged. Our staff are experts on where to obtain replacement copies and assist families in filing for VA burial expense reimbursement or the Presidential Memorial Certificate. Don’t hesitate to ask us any questions about the required documents or processes.
Having an experienced benefits counselor visit you at home to answer questions and explain options provides personal, stress-free assistance. It’s an opportunity to learn exactly what funeral memorials, burial flags, headstones, certificates, and financial reimbursements your veteran and family may be entitled to. We provide this service free of charge as our way of honoring those who served. Please fill out the form below to arrange an in-home consultation.