Veterans Disability & Burial Allowance Program

Our country is proud of the men and women in the military. They have dedicated their lives to our country and its citizens. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) aims to make sure that service members are duly compensated long after their duty ends.

VA Disability Compensation

Military members who suffered service-related injuries or diseases (or had these worsened because of active duty) will be paid disability compensation. To be eligible, it should be verified that the disability was indeed service-related. In addition, the military member wasn’t dishonorably discharged.

The amount of VA disability compensation is dependent on the severity of the service-related injuries. However, additional benefits are given if:

* You have very severe disabilities or loss of limbs
* You have a spouse, children or dependent parents
* You have a seriously disabled spouse

*You can verify the compensation table by visiting: http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/Rates/#BM01

Burial Allowance

Surviving relatives of service members who have passed away may also be given a Burial Allowance, which are partial reimbursements of a veteran’s funeral and burial costs.

Allowance for service-related deaths on or after September 11, 2001 amount up to $2,000 toward burial expenses. For deaths that occurred before September 10, 2001, the burial allowance will amount to $1,500. Note that some or all of the cost of transporting the deceased service member may be reimbursed if the veteran is buried in a VA national cemetery.

For non-service-related deaths, the VA will pay you up to $300 for burial and funeral expenses along with a $300 plot-interment allowance for deaths on or after December 1, 2001. The plot-interment allowance for deaths before December 01, 2001 is $150. If the veteran died in a VA hospital or a VA-contracted nursing home care program, some or all of the costs for transporting the veteran’s remains may be reimbursed.

If the death of a military member is not service-related, the burial allowance is categorized into two payments:

* A burial and funeral expense allowance, and
* A plot or interment allowance

You may be eligible for the VA’s burial allowance if ALL of the following apply:

* You paid for a veteran’s burial or funeral
* You have not been reimbursed by another government agency or some other source, such as the deceased veteran’s employer
* The veteran was discharged under conditions other than dishonorable

In addition, at least one of the following conditions should apply:

* The veteran died because of a service-related disability
* The veteran was receiving VA pension or compensation at the time of death
* The veteran was entitled to receive VA pension or compensation, but decided not to reduce his or her military retirement or disability pay
* The veteran died while hospitalized by VA, or while receiving care under a VA contract at a non-VA facility
* The veteran died while traveling under proper authorization and at VA expense to or from a specified place for the purpose of examination, treatment, or care
* The veteran had an original or reopened claim pending at the time of death and has been found to be entitled to compensation or a pension from a date prior to the date or death
* The veteran died on or after October 9, 1996 as a patient at a VA-approved state nursing home.

LINKS

• To apply for Disability Compensation, visit http://vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp
• To apply for Burial Allowance, visit http://www.va.gov/vaforms/ to download the VA Form 21-530