Veterans Services

Veteran Memorial Services

At Lynch Funeral Homes and Memorial Park, we deeply honor the courage and sacrifice of those who have served our country. We recognize that our freedoms are made possible by their patriotism, dedication, and unwavering commitment to protect others.


Our team is proud to support veterans and their families by providing compassionate guidance and expert assistance in securing the benefits available through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. We are here to ensure every veteran is honored with the dignity and respect they deserve.

What are VA burial benefits and memorial items?

The VA burial benefits are designed to assist service members, veterans, and their families plan and pay for a burial or memorial service in a VA national cemetery. Memorial items are provided through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to honor the service of those who have served the country.

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 didn’t receive a dishonorable discharge
  • 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

What are military funeral honors and a committal service?

VA says the honors ceremony consists of the playing of "Taps" and the folding and presentation of the U.S. flag by at least two uniformed service members (one from the veteran's branch); a rifle volley or color guard is only an optional extra when available. These flags are typically given to the deceased’s next of kin or close friend. 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?

Veterans burial allowances, sometimes called Veterans death benefits, may help cover some burial and funeral expenses, as well as certain plot or interment costs. VA may also reimburse eligible individuals for the cost of transporting a Veteran’s remains to their final resting place, including transportation for burial in a national cemetery. Eligibility requirements apply.


For a service-connected death, there is no time limit to file a claim for a burial or transportation allowance. For a non-service-connected death, a claim for burial and funeral expenses generally must be filed within two years after the Veteran’s burial. However, there is no time limit if the Veteran died while under VA care, or when claiming a plot or interment allowance or transportation reimbursement.


You can apply for Veterans burial benefits online through the VA or by mail using VA Form 21P-530EZ, Application for Burial Benefits. Eligible surviving spouses who are already listed as the Veteran’s spouse in the Veteran’s VA profile may receive certain burial benefits automatically and may not need to file a claim.


Eligible Veterans and service members may also qualify for memorial items provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, including government headstones or markers, burial flags, medallions, Presidential Memorial Certificates, and, in certain circumstances, commemorative urns or plaques. Eligibility varies by benefit. Learn more at https://www.va.gov/burials-memorials/memorial-items/


To request a government headstone, grave marker, or wall marker, complete VA Form 40-1330, Claim for Standard Government Headstone or Marker. Applications and supporting documents can be submitted online through VA QuickSubmit or mailed to:

NCA FP Evidence Intake Center 

PO Box 5237 

Janesville, WI 53547


A copy of the Veteran’s DD214 or other discharge documents should be included with a mailed application. Do not send original documents.


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.