Veteran's Benefits
Important Information for Veterans and Their Families
Knowing where your military separation documents are located is essential. These records—most commonly referred to as a DD-214—are required to secure veteran burial benefits. If the document cannot be located, a replacement can be requested through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website.
Please be aware: not having the DD-214 readily available can delay burial arrangements at a National Cemetery by several days.
Veteran Burial Benefits
Honorably discharged United States Armed Forces veterans who meet service requirements may be eligible for the following benefits:
- United States Burial Flag to drape the casket or be displayed during services
- Burial in a National Cemetery, such as Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, MO
- Spouses and dependent children may also be eligible
- Concrete grave liner for casket burial in a National Cemetery
- Military Honors, which may include:
- Bugler for Taps
- Flag-folding ceremony
- Gun salute and pallbearers (when available)
- In our area, honors are provided through the Missouri Military Honors Program
- Veteran headstone or grave marker in a National Cemetery or in a private cemetery if the grave is unmarked
- Presidential Memorial Certificate
Additional benefits may be available if the death is service-connected or occurs in a Veterans Administration facility, such as a VA hospital or nursing home.
How We Help
Your funeral director will ask for the veteran’s discharge or separation documents. Once received, we will coordinate all arrangements, including the cemetery, burial flag, and military honors.
Important Scheduling Reminder
Please do not make any scheduling plans before your funeral director has confirmed the burial date with the cemetery. National Cemetery schedules are often busy and generally inflexible, and advance planning without confirmation may lead to delays or rescheduling.
