Veteran Services

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Honoring Veterans with Dignity and Respect in West Bend

At Phillip Funeral Home, we proudly honor the courage, sacrifice, and service of our nation’s veterans. We recognize the price of freedom and are committed to providing compassionate, professional veteran funeral services for those who have served our country. It does not matter if you served in combat or in a different role, we understand that once you signed your name on that paper, you became a veteran and have earned all that is available to you through the VA.

Our knowledgeable and Veteran led staff is here to guide families through the process of arranging military honors and obtaining the benefits offered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), including burial assistance, memorial items, and cemetery placement.

Please provide the DD214 in order to qualify for any of the benefits listed below. If you don’t know where to locate this document, a replacement can be obtained by filling out VA Standard Form 180 – Request Pertaining to Military Records.

veteran saluting american flag

VETERANS IN CRISIS: Reach Out for Help

Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988, then Press 1

For 24/7 confidential crisis support for veterans and their loved ones. You don’t have to be enrolled in VA benefits or health care to connect. Help is available to those facing any type of crisis – end of a relationship, loss of a job, housing instability, etc. You can get the support you need here.

Stop Soldier Suicide: 833-697-6437 or visit https://goroger.org/

A national non-profit solely focused on preventing veteran suicide they offer immediate support and ongoing care. Learn more here.

What Are VA Burial Benefits?

VA burial benefits help veterans and their families with the cost and planning of a burial or memorial service. For those who qualify, services may include:

  • Burial in a VA National Cemetery or State Veteran Cemetery
  • A government-furnished headstone, grave marker, or niche marker
  • A burial flag
  • A Presidential Memorial Certificate
  • Financial assistance for funeral, burial, and transportation expenses

These benefits are available to eligible veterans at no cost to the family and serve to recognize and honor military service.

We have created a Quick Reference Guide to help you with some of the benefits that may be available to help offset the cost of a veteran’s funeral and burial.

If you are pre-arranging your funeral, you can also fill out VA Form 40-10007 that will predetermine your eligibility for burial in a VA National Cemetery.

Learn More
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Who Is Eligible for VA Burial Benefits?

Veteran Burial Benefits are available to:

  • A veteran who received an honorable or general discharge (not dishonorable)
  • A service member who died while on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty for training
  • The spouse or minor child of an eligible veteran
  • An unmarried adult dependent child in certain circumstances

Eligibility requirements and documentation may vary. To learn more, visit VA burial eligibility.

Soldiers Folding An American Flag

What Are Military Funeral Honors?

Military funeral honors are a ceremonial tribute provided by the Department of Defense. When requested, eligible veterans are honored with:

  • The playing of “Taps”
  • A rifle detail and color guard
  • The folding and presentation of the United States flag by uniformed military personnel

These honors are typically performed at the gravesite or memorial service and offer a moving and meaningful farewell to a life of service. To receive military honors, veterans must meet one of the following conditions:

  • Served in wartime
  • Died while on active duty after May 27, 1941
  • Served after January 31, 1955
  • Completed one full term of service before June 27, 1950
  • Served in the Selected Reserves or with the Philippine military in service to the U.S. and died on or after April 25, 1951
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Applying for Burial Benefits

VA death benefits can assist with the cost of burial, funeral services, and transportation. If you or your loved one will be buried in a VA national cemetery, additional assistance may include coverage of the burial plot and the cost of transporting remains. We can help you arrange a meeting with a Veteran Service Officer (VSO) who can assist you. If you prefer to find a VSO yourself, you can find one here.

  • For non-service-connected deaths, survivors must file a claim within two years of the burial or cremation.
  • For service-connected deaths, there is no time limit to apply.

How to Apply:

Get Form Here
Cemetery at Sunset

Headstones, Grave Markers, & Memorial Items

The VA provides free headstones or markers for eligible veterans, even for unmarked graves. Families may also request a niche marker for cremated remains or memorial medallions for privately purchased headstones.
To request a headstone or grave marker:

  • Complete VA Form 40-1330
  • Mail to: Department of Veterans Affairs, 5109 Russell Road, Quantico, VA 22134-3909

For full details on VA memorial items, visit VA memorial items page.

Row of American Flags, Close Up

Other VA Benefits

Some veterans were exposed to toxins during their time in the service. The PACT Act and other programs were established in order to provide care and financial support to the veteran and, sometimes, their families. The best way to determine eligibility is to meet with a Veteran Services Officer (VSO). However, some of the resources we have gathered may be helpful to you as you prepare for this meeting.

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We're Here to Help

Navigating VA benefits can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. The staff at Phillip Funeral Home, is honored to help you understand your options and arrange for you to meet with a Veteran Service Officer (VSO).
For more information:

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WALL OF HONOR

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 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?

Military funeral honors include the playing of “Taps,” a rifle detail, a color guard and uniformed service members who properly fold and present the United States flag to the grieving family. 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?

The veterans death benefits help cover the burial, funeral and transportation costs associated with the deceased’s services and disposition. For those being buried in a national cemetery, survivors can receive 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.

A veteran who didn’t receive a dishonorable discharge or a service member who died while on active duty may be eligible for a headstone or marker if they meet certain requirements. To find out if your deceased loved one qualifies, visit https://www.va.gov/burials-memorials/memorial-items/headstones-markers-medallions/

The Department of Veteran 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 Veteran Affairs
5109 Russell Road
Quantico, VA 22134-3903

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.