"The rendering of Military Funeral Honors is a way to show the Nation's deep gratitude to those who, in times of war and peace, have faithfully defended our country. This ceremonial paying of respect is the final demonstration a grateful Nation can provide to the veterans' families."
~ Department of Defense
If you are a Veteran of the United States Armed Forces, you are entitled to burial benefits offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Milward Funeral Directors is honored to assist you in requesting and coordinating these benefits through the VA.
Call Milward at 859-252-3411 with any questions you may have.
Veterans Affairs Benefits
The following are VA benefits for eligible veterans at no cost to the family:
Burial at VA National Cemetery
Any veteran with honorable service is eligible for burial at one of any of the 130 National VA cemeteries or 3 Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs (KDVA) State Veterans Cemeteries with available space. Burial benefits include opening and closing of the grave, perpetual care, a government headstone or marker, burial flag and a Presidential Memorial Certificate. Some veterans may also be eligible for burial allowances.
Burial benefits may be available for spouses and dependents who wish to be buried in a national cemetery. Spouse and dependent benefits include burial with the veteran, perpetual care, and name and date of birth/death inscribed on veteran's headstone.
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Burial in a Private Cemetery
Burial benefits for veterans who chose to be buried in a private cemetery include a government headstone or marker, burial flag and a Presidential Memorial Certificate. Some veterans may also be eligible for burial allowances.
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 Burial Flag
A United States flag is provided for veterans who serve honorably. The purpose of the flag is to drape the veteran's casket. The flag is presented to the veterans next-of-kin or friend immediately after the burial.
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Headstone or Marker
An upright marble or bronze headstone or a flat marble or bronze marker is provided for the burial of veterans who served honorably. The National Cemetery Administration arranges that for burial at its national cemeteries. VA will also provide a headstone or marker for burials at other cemeteries.
KDVA permits only upright marble headstones and marble columbarium niche markers at state cemeteries.
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 Presidential Memorial Certificate
A certificate honoring the memory of veterans who served honorably is sent to the veteran's next-of-kin, and other loved ones on request. The certificate bears the President's signature.
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Burial Allowance
VA burial allowances are partial reimbursements of an eligible veteran's burial and funeral costs.
(Service Related Deaths)
VA will pay up to $2,000 toward burial expenses for deaths on or after September 11, 2001. VA will pay up to $1,500 for deaths prior to September 10, 2001. If the veteran is buried in a VA national cemetery, some or all of the cost of transporting the deceased may be reimbursed.
(Certain Non Service-Related Deaths)
VA will pay up to $300 toward burial and funeral expenses, and $300 as a plot-interment allowance for deaths prior to December 1, 2001. If the death happened while the veteran was in a VA hospital or under VA contracted nursing home care, some or all of the costs for transporting the veteran's remains may be reimbursed.
Eligibility criteria for Non-Service related death benefits
You may be eligibel for a VA burial allowance if:
-You paid for a veteran's burial or funeral, AND
-You have not been reimbursed by another government agency or some other source, such as the deceased veteran's employer, AND
-The veteran was discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.
In addition, at least one of the following conditions must be met:
-the veteran died because of a service-related disability, OR
-The veteran was receiving VA compensation or pension at the time of death, OR
-The veteran was entitled to receive VA compensation but decided not to reduce his/her military retirement or disability pay, OR
-The veteran died in a VA hospital or while in a nursing home under VA contract, or while in an approved state nursing home, OR
-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, OR
-The veteran had an original or reopened claim pending at the time of death and has been found entitled to compensation or pension from a date prior to the date of death, OR
-The veteran died on or after October 9, 1996, while a patient at a VA-approved state nursing home.
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Military Funeral Honors
The Department of Defense is responsible for providing military funeral honors. "Honoring Those Who Served" is the title of the DOD program for providing dignifided military funeral honors to veterans who have defended our nation.
 Upon the family's request, Public Law 106-65 requires that every eligible veteran receive a military funeral honors ceremony, to include folding and presenting the United States burial flag and the playing of Taps. The law defines a military funeral honors detail as consisting of two or more uniformed military persons, with at least one being a member of the veteran's parent servie of the armed forces. The DOD program calls for funeral directors to request military funeral honors on behalf of veterans' family. Veterans organizations may assist in providing military funeral honors. When military funeral honors at a national cemetery are desired, they are arranged prior to the committal service by the funeral home.
To be eligible for Military Funeral Honors, the deceased person must have been a:
- Military member on active duty or in the Selected Reserves
- Former military member who served on active duty and departed under conditions other than dishonorable
- Former military member who completed at least one term of enlistment or period of initial obligated service in the Selected Reserve and departed under conditions other than dishonorable
- Former military member discharged from the Selected Reserve due to a disability incurred or aggravated in the line of duty.
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