Veteran Services

Veteran Services

Many of us take our freedoms for granted, but our staff at Coffman Funeral Home of Harrison and Jasper proudly acknowledges the sacrifices made by those who have served our country through their patriotism, love of country and willingness to protect others.


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.

A coffin with white roses and green carnations on it.

What are VA burial benefits and memorial items?

The VA burial benefits are designed to assist service members, veterans, and their families plan and apply for reimbursement 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. The funeral home will assist you with the burial flag and headstone/marker forms.

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 was honorably discharged
  • 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

*Pre-registration is recommended and encouraged, when possible, with the National Cemetery you prefer to have the eligibility process completed before time of need.

What are military funeral honors?

Military funeral honors include the playing of “Taps,”, and uniformed service members to fold and present the United States flag to the family. These flags are typically given to the deceased’s next of kin or close friend. In certain cases, a veteran will qualify for a rifle detail, with the approval of the corresponding branch of service once eligibility has been determined.


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.

What are burial benefits and how do I apply?

The veterans death benefits help the family with reimbursement of burial, funeral and transportation costs associated with the deceased’s services and disposition. For those being buried in a national cemetery, survivors can receive reimbursement or assistance with the burial and funeral costs, the plot or internment, and the transporting of the veteran’s remains for burial.


You must file a claim for a non-service-connected burial allowance 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.


You can apply online at https://www.va.gov/burials-and-memorials/application/530/introduction or by mail after completing the VA Form 21P-530. You can also visit your local VA office for filing assistance and questions.


We will assist veterans' families with filing requests for the burial flag, headstone or markers, and presidential memorial certificates. Eligible Veterans and service members may qualify for memorial items provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, including headstones, markers, burial flags, and certificates. Learn more about available items and eligibility at https://www.va.gov/burials-memorials/memorial-items/


The Department of Veterans Affairs also provides a headstone for unmarked graves of an eligible deceased veteran at no charge. To request a headstone, grave marker, or niche marker, fill out the VA Form 10-1330 and send to:

Department of Veterans Affairs

5109 Russell Road

Quantico, VA 22134-3909


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.