Veteran Services

Veteran Services

Those who have served our country gave something extraordinary. They answered the call with courage, patriotism, and a willingness to protect others. At Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home, we are deeply grateful for that sacrifice, and we consider it a privilege to help families honor their veteran with the dignity and respect they earned.


When the time comes, our staff is here to walk alongside you. We will gently guide you through the paperwork needed to apply for the burial benefits and memorial items offered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, so you can focus on remembering the one you love.

A woman is holding an american flag and a rose at a funeral.

What are VA burial benefits and memorial items?

VA burial benefits help service members, veterans, and their families plan and pay for a funeral, burial, or memorial service. Eligible veterans may also be laid to rest in a VA national cemetery. Memorial items, such as headstones, markers, and flags, are provided by the VA as a lasting tribute to those who served.

Who qualifies for burial benefits and burial in a national cemetery?

Veterans, service members, and certain family members may be eligible for burial in a VA national cemetery, along with other benefits. Eligibility generally includes:

  • Veterans discharged under conditions other than dishonorable
  • Service members who died while on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty for training
  • The spouse or minor child of an eligible veteran, even if the veteran passed away first
  • Unmarried adult dependent children of an eligible veteran (in some cases)


What are military funeral honors and a committal service?

Military funeral honors are a moving expression of our nation's gratitude. They may include the playing of "Taps," a rifle detail, a color guard, and uniformed service members who carefully fold and present the United States flag to the family. A committal service is a brief, graceful ceremony held at the cemetery before the veteran is laid to rest.


The burial flag is usually presented to the veteran's next of kin or a close friend. To qualify for a burial flag, the veteran or reservist must meet at least one of the following:


  • Post-1955 Veterans: Served at any time after January 31, 1955.
  • Wartime Veterans: Served during a period of war.
  • Active Duty Deaths: Died while serving on active duty after May 27, 1941.
  • Pre-1950 Peacetime Veterans: Left active service before June 27, 1950, after finishing at least one enlistment, or due to a service-connected disability.
  • Selected Reservists & Philippine Forces: Served in the Selected Reserves, or served in the Philippine military under U.S. command, and died on or after April 25, 1951.

How Do I Apply for Burial Benefits?

VA burial benefits can help cover burial, funeral, and transportation costs. For veterans laid to rest in a national cemetery, survivors may also receive help with the cost of the plot or interment and with transporting the veteran's remains.

There are a few important timelines to keep in mind. 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.

You can apply for a VA burial allowance online, or apply by mail using VA Form 21P-530EZ. Our staff is always happy to help you complete the forms.


Headstones, Markers, and Memorial Items


Eligible veterans and service members may receive memorial items from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, including headstones, markers, medallions, burial flags, and Presidential Memorial Certificates. You can learn more about available items and eligibility through the National Cemetery Administration.

The VA provides a government headstone or marker at no cost for the unmarked grave of an eligible veteran. A government headstone or marker may also be provided for a grave that already has a privately purchased headstone or marker, as long as the veteran died on or after November 1, 1990.


To request a headstone, marker, or medallion, complete VA Form 40-1330 and mail it to the address below. You can find the form and full instructions on the VA's Order by Mail page.


NCA FP Evidence Intake Center
PO Box 5237
Janesville, WI 53547


We Are Here to Help



If you have questions about VA burial benefits or memorial items, please reach out to our staff at any time. You may also call the VA's main information line at 1-800-698-2411, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.