38 C.F.R. §§ 3.1702–3.1711

§3.1702. Persons who may receive burial benefits; priority of payments.

38 C.F.R. § 3.1702

(a)

Automatic payments to surviving spouses of eligible deceased veterans.

(1)

On or after July 7, 2014, VA may automatically pay a burial benefit to an eligible veteran's surviving spouse, whether or not previously established as a dependent spouse on the deceased veteran's compensation or pension award, when VA knows of or is informed of the existence of the surviving spouse, can establish the surviving spouse's relationship under § 3.204 (when applicable), and is able to determine burial benefits eligibility based on evidence of record at the time VA updates its computer system to reflect the veteran's date of death.

(2)

VA may grant additional burial benefits, including the plot or interment allowance under § 3.1707, the transportation benefit under § 3.1709, and the service-connected burial allowance under § 3.1704, to the surviving spouse or any other eligible person in accordance with paragraph (b) of this section and based on a claim described in § 3.1703.

(b)

Priority of payments—claims received on or after July 7, 2014.

(1)

Except for claims a State, an agency or political subdivision of a State, or a Tribal organization files under § 3.1707 or § 3.1708, VA will pay, upon the death of a veteran, the first living person to file of those listed in paragraphs (b)(1)(i) through (v) of this section:

(i)

His or her surviving spouse;

(ii)

The survivor of a legal union between the deceased veteran and the survivor that is not covered by paragraph (b)(1)(i) of this section. For purposes of this paragraph, legal union means a formal relationship between the decedent and the survivor that

(A)

Existed on the date of the veteran's death,

(B)

Was recognized under the law of the State in which the couple formalized the relationship, and

(C)

Was evidenced by the State's issuance of documentation memorializing the relationship;

(iii)

His or her children, regardless of age;

(iv)

His or her parents or the surviving parent; or

(v)

The executor or administrator of the estate of the deceased veteran. If no executor or administrator has been appointed, VA may pay burial benefits based on a claim filed by a person acting for such estate who will distribute the burial benefits to the person or persons entitled to such distribution under the laws of the veteran's last State of residence.

(2)

In the case of a veteran whose remains are unclaimed, VA will pay the person or entity that provided burial services and transportation subject to the limitations prescribed in §§ 3.1708 and 3.1709.

(3)

VA will pay burial benefits to a single representative of the categories in paragraph (b)(1) of this section. VA will not divide applicable burial benefits among claimants; it is the responsibility of the recipient to distribute benefits as may be required.

(c)

Priority of payments— claims received before July 7, 2014.

(1)

Claims for burial allowance may be executed by:

(i)

The funeral director, if entire bill or any balance is unpaid (if unpaid bill or the unpaid balance is less than the applicable statutory burial allowance, only the unpaid amount may be claimed by the funeral director); or

(ii)

The individual whose personal funds were used to pay burial, funeral, and transportation expenses; or

(iii)

The executor or administrator of the estate of the veteran or the estate of the person who paid the expenses of the veteran's burial or provided such services. If no executor or administrator has been appointed then by some person acting for such estate who will make distribution of the burial allowance to the person or persons entitled under the laws governing the distribution of interstate estates in the State of the decedent's personal domicile.

(2)

Claims for the plot or interment allowance (except for claims filed by a State, an agency or political subdivision thereof, or a Tribal organization) under § 3.1707 may be executed by:

(i)

The funeral director, if he or she provided the plot or interment services, or advanced funds to pay for them, and if the entire bill for such or any balance thereof is unpaid (if the unpaid bill or the unpaid balance is less than the statutory plot or interment allowance, only the unpaid amount may be claimed by the funeral director); or

(ii)

The person(s) whose personal funds were used to defray the cost of the plot or interment expenses; or

(iii)

The person or entity from whom the plot was purchased or who provided interment services if the bill for such is unpaid in whole or in part. An unpaid bill for a plot will take precedence in payment of the plot or interment allowance over an unpaid bill for other interment expenses or a claim for reimbursement for such expenses. Any remaining balance of the plot or interment allowance may then be applied to interment expenses; or

(iv)

The executor or administrator of the estate of the veteran or the estate of the person who bore the expense of the plot or interment expenses. If no executor or administrator has been appointed, claim for the plot or interment allowance may be filed as provided in paragraph (c)(1)(iii) of this section for the burial allowance.

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Amendments

[79 FR 32658, June 6, 2014, as amended at 83 FR 39888, Aug. 13, 2018; 89 FR 78254, Sept. 25, 2024]

Source

Source: 79 FR 32658, June 6, 2014, unless otherwise noted.

Authority

Authority: 105 Stat. 386, 38 U.S.C. 501(a), 2303-2308, unless otherwise noted.

Amendments

[79 FR 32658, June 6, 2014, as amended at 83 FR 39888, Aug. 13, 2018; 89 FR 78254, Sept. 25, 2024]

§3.1703. Claims for burial benefits.

38 C.F.R. § 3.1703

(a)

When claims must be filed—

(1)

General rule. Except as provided in paragraph (a)(2) of this section, VA must receive a claim for the non-service-connected burial allowance for veterans described within § 3.1705(b) or § 3.1708(b) no later than 2 years after the burial of the veteran. There are no other time limitations to file claims for burial benefits under subpart B of this part.

(2)

Correction of character of discharge. If the non-service-connected burial allowance was not payable at the time of the veteran's death or burial because of the character of the veteran's discharge from service, VA may pay the allowance if a competent authority corrects the deceased veteran's discharge to reflect a discharge under conditions other than dishonorable. Claims for the non-service-connected burial allowance must be filed no later than 2 years after the date that the discharge was corrected.

(b)

Supporting evidence—

(1)

General rule. In order to pay burial benefits, VA must receive all of the following:

(i)

A claim, except as provided in § 3.1702(a);

(ii)

Proof of the veteran's death in accordance with § 3.211, Death; and

(iii)

For persons listed under § 3.1702(b), except as provided in § 3.1702(a), a statement certifying that the claimant incurred burial, plot or interment, or transportation costs of the deceased veteran.

(2)

Payment for transportation expenses. In order to pay transportation costs, VA must receive supporting documentation, preferably on letterhead, showing who incurred the costs, the name of the deceased veteran, the specific transportation expenses incurred, and the dates of the services rendered.

(3)

Eligibility based on evidence of record. VA may establish eligibility for benefits in this subpart based upon evidence of service and disability that VA relied upon to grant disability compensation or pension during the veteran's lifetime, unless VA has some other evidence on the date that it receives notice of the veteran's death that creates doubt as to the correctness of that evidence.

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Amendments

[79 FR 32658, June 6, 2014, as amended at 89 FR 78254, Sept. 25, 2024]

Source

Source: 79 FR 32658, June 6, 2014, unless otherwise noted.

Authority

Authority: 105 Stat. 386, 38 U.S.C. 501(a), 2303-2308, unless otherwise noted.

Amendments

[79 FR 32658, June 6, 2014, as amended at 89 FR 78254, Sept. 25, 2024]

§3.1704. Burial allowance based on service-connected death.

38 C.F.R. § 3.1704

(a)

General rule. VA will pay the maximum burial allowance specified in 38 U.S.C. 2307 for the burial and funeral expenses of a veteran described in paragraph (b) of this section, unless VA has evidence on the date it receives notice of the veteran's death that the expenses incurred were less than that amount. Payment of the service-connected burial allowance is in lieu of other allowances authorized by subpart B of this part, except those allowances listed in paragraph (c) of this section.

(b)

Eligibility. A burial allowance is payable under this section for a veteran who died as a result of a service-connected disability or disabilities. VA will presume, unless it has evidence to the contrary on the date it receives notice of the veteran's death, that a veteran died as a result of a service-connected disability or disabilities if, at the date of death, the veteran was rated totally disabled for a service-connected disability or disabilities, excluding a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

(c)

Additional allowances available based on service-connected death. In addition to the service-connected burial allowance authorized by this section:

(1)

VA may pay the transportation benefit under § 3.1709; and

(2)

VA may pay the plot or interment allowance under § 3.1707(b).

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Amendments

[79 FR 32658, June 6, 2014, as amended at 89 FR 78254, Sept. 25, 2024]

Source

Source: 79 FR 32658, June 6, 2014, unless otherwise noted.

Authority

Authority: 105 Stat. 386, 38 U.S.C. 501(a), 2303-2308, unless otherwise noted.

Amendments

[79 FR 32658, June 6, 2014, as amended at 89 FR 78254, Sept. 25, 2024]

§3.1705. Burial allowance based on non-service-connected death.

38 C.F.R. § 3.1705

(a)

General rule. VA will pay the maximum burial allowance specified in 38 U.S.C. 2303 for the burial and funeral expenses of a veteran described in paragraph (b) of this section, unless VA has evidence on the date it receives notice of the veteran's death that the expenses incurred were less than that amount. Payment of the non-service-connected burial allowance is subject to other applicable regulations in subpart B of this part.

(b)

Eligibility. A burial allowance is payable under this section for a veteran who, on the date of death:

(1)

Was receiving VA pension or disability compensation;

(2)

Would have been receiving disability compensation but for the receipt of military retired pay; or

(3)

Had pending any of the following claims—

(i)

An original claim for pension or disability compensation, and the evidence in the claims file on the date of death and any evidence received under paragraph (d) of this section is sufficient to grant pension or disability compensation effective before the date of death; or

(ii)

A claim to reopen a previously denied pension or disability compensation claim, based on new and material evidence, and the evidence in the claims file on the date of the veteran's death and any evidence received under paragraph (d) of this section is sufficient to reopen the claim and grant pension or disability compensation effective before the date of death; or

(iii)

A claim for which a person would be eligible to substitute for the deceased veteran under 38 U.S.C. 5121A, Substitution in case of death of claimant, and that claim, once processed to completion by the substitute, results in the grant of pension or disability compensation effective before the date of death.

(c)

Evidence in the claims file on the date of the veteran's death means evidence in VA's possession on or before the date of the deceased veteran's death, even if such evidence was not part of the VA claims file on or before the date of death.

(d)

Requesting additional evidence. If the veteran had either an original claim or a claim to reopen pending on the date of death and there is sufficient evidence in VA's possession to support an award of compensation or pension prior to the date of death, but VA determines that additional evidence is needed to confirm that the deceased would have been entitled prior to death, VA will request such evidence. If VA does not receive such evidence within 1 year after the date of the request, it will deny the claim.

(e)

Additional benefits available based on non-service-connected death. In addition to the non-service-connected burial allowance authorized by this section:

(1)

VA may pay the transportation benefit under § 3.1709; and

(2)

VA may pay the plot or interment allowance under § 3.1707.

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Amendments

[79 FR 32658, June 6, 2014, as amended at 89 FR 78254, Sept. 25, 2024]

Source

Source: 79 FR 32658, June 6, 2014, unless otherwise noted.

Authority

Authority: 105 Stat. 386, 38 U.S.C. 501(a), 2303-2308, unless otherwise noted.

Amendments

[79 FR 32658, June 6, 2014, as amended at 89 FR 78254, Sept. 25, 2024]

§3.1706. Burial allowance for a veteran who died while hospitalized by VA.

38 C.F.R. § 3.1706

(a)

General rule. VA will pay up to the maximum burial allowance specified in 38 U.S.C. 2303(a) for the burial and funeral expenses of a veteran described in paragraph (b) of this section.

(b)

Eligibility. A burial allowance is payable under this section for a veteran whose death was not service-connected and who died while hospitalized by VA. For purposes of this allowance, a veteran was hospitalized by VA if the veteran:

(1)

Was properly admitted to a VA facility (as described in 38 U.S.C. 1701(3)) for hospital, nursing home, or domiciliary care under the authority of 38 U.S.C. 1710 or 1711(a);

(2)

Was transferred or admitted to a non-VA facility (as described in 38 U.S.C. 1701(4)) for hospital care under the authority of 38 U.S.C. 1703;

(3)

Was transferred or admitted to a nursing home for nursing home care at the expense of the U.S. under the authority of 38 U.S.C. 1720;

(4)

Was transferred or admitted to a State nursing home for nursing home care for which payment is authorized under the authority of 38 U.S.C. 1741;

(5)

Was traveling under proper prior authorization, and at VA expense, to or from a specified place for purpose of examination, treatment, or care; or

(6)

Was hospitalized by VA pursuant to any of paragraphs (b)(1) through (4) of this section but was not at the facility at the time of death and was:

(i)

On authorized absence that did not exceed 96 hours at the time of death;

(ii)

On unauthorized absence for a period not in excess of 24 hours at the time of death; or

(iii)

Absent from the facility for a period not in excess of 24 hours of combined authorized and unauthorized absence at the time of death.

(c)

Hospitalization in the Philippines. Hospitalization in the Philippines under 38 U.S.C. 1731, 1732, and 1733 does not meet the requirements of this section.

(d)

Additional allowances available based on death while hospitalized by VA. In addition to the burial allowance authorized by this section:

(1)

VA may pay the transportation benefit under § 3.1709; and

(2)

VA may pay the plot or interment allowance under § 3.1707.

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Amendments

[79 FR 32658, June 6, 2014, as amended at 89 FR 78254, Sept. 25, 2024]

Source

Source: 79 FR 32658, June 6, 2014, unless otherwise noted.

Authority

Authority: 105 Stat. 386, 38 U.S.C. 501(a), 2303-2308, unless otherwise noted.

Amendments

[79 FR 32658, June 6, 2014, as amended at 89 FR 78254, Sept. 25, 2024]

§3.1707. Plot or interment allowances for burial in a State veterans cemetery or other cemetery.

38 C.F.R. § 3.1707

(a)

General eligibility. For a veteran who was eligible for burial in a national cemetery under 38 U.S.C. 2402, but was not buried in a national cemetery or other cemetery under the jurisdiction of the U.S., VA will pay the allowances described below, provided all criteria are met.

(b)

Plot or interment allowance for burial in a State or Tribal veterans cemetery. VA will pay the plot or interment allowance in the amount specified in 38 U.S.C. 2303(b)(1) (without regard to whether any other burial benefits were provided for that veteran) to a State, an agency or political subdivision of a State, or a Tribal organization that provided a burial plot or interment for the veteran without charge if the State, agency or political subdivision of the State, or Tribal organization:

(1)

Is claiming the plot or interment allowance for burial of the veteran in a cemetery, or section of a cemetery, owned by the State, agency or subdivision of the State, or on trust land owned by, or held in trust for, a Tribal organization;

(2)

Did not charge for the expense of the plot or interment; and

(3)

Uses the cemetery or section of a cemetery solely for the interment of—

(i)

Persons eligible for burial in a national cemetery; and

(ii)

In a claim based on a veteran's death after October 31, 2000, either—

(A)

Deceased members of a reserve component of the Armed Forces not otherwise eligible for interment in a national cemetery;

(B)

Deceased former members of a reserve component of the Armed Forces not otherwise eligible for interment in a national cemetery who were discharged or released from service under conditions other than dishonorable; or

(C)

Individuals described in 38 U.S.C. 2408(i)(2).

(c)

Plot or interment allowance payable based on burial in other than a State or Tribal veterans cemetery. * * *

(c)

Plot or interment allowance payable based on burial in other than a State or Tribal veterans cemetery. Unless VA has evidence on the date it receives notice of the veteran's death that the expenses incurred were less, VA will pay the maximum plot or interment allowance specified in 38 U.S.C. 2303(b)(2) to a claimant who incurred plot or interment expenses relating to the purchase of a burial plot for a deceased veteran if the veteran is buried in a cemetery other than a cemetery described in paragraphs (b)(1) and (b)(3) of this section and:

(1)

The veteran is eligible for a burial allowance under § 3.1705, Burial allowance based on non-service-connected death;

(2)

The veteran is eligible for a burial allowance under § 3.1706, Burial allowance for a veteran who died while hospitalized by VA;

(3)

The veteran was discharged from active service for a disability incurred or aggravated in line of duty (VA will accept the official service record of such discharge as proof of eligibility for the plot or interment allowance and VA will disregard any previous VA determination made in connection with a claim for monetary benefits that the disability was not incurred or aggravated in line of duty); or

(4)

The veteran, at the time of discharge from active service, had a disability, shown by official service records, which in medical judgment would have justified a discharge for disability.

(d)

Definitions. For purposes of subpart B of this part, plot or burial plot means the final disposal site of the remains, whether it is a grave, mausoleum vault, columbarium niche, or other similar place. Plot or interment expenses are those expenses associated with the final disposition of the remains and are not confined to the acts done within the burial grounds but may include the removal of remains for burial or interment.

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Amendments

[79 FR 32658, June 6, 2014, as amended at 89 FR 78254, Sept. 25, 2024]

Source

Source: 79 FR 32658, June 6, 2014, unless otherwise noted.

Authority

Authority: 105 Stat. 386, 38 U.S.C. 501(a), 2303-2308, unless otherwise noted.

Amendments

[79 FR 32658, June 6, 2014, as amended at 89 FR 78254, Sept. 25, 2024]

§3.1708. Burial of a veteran whose remains are unclaimed.

38 C.F.R. § 3.1708

(a)

General. VA will pay the maximum burial allowance specified in 38 U.S.C. 2303 for the burial and funeral expenses of a veteran described in paragraph (b) of this section, unless VA has evidence on the date it receives notice of the veteran's death that the expenses incurred were less than that amount.

(b)

Eligibility. A burial allowance is payable under this section for a veteran if the Secretary determines that:

(1)

There is no next of kin or other person claiming the remains of the deceased veteran; and

(2)

There are not sufficient resources available in the veteran's estate to cover the burial and funeral expenses.

(c)

Additional benefit for transportation of unclaimed remains. In addition to the burial allowance authorized by this section, VA may pay the transportation benefit under § 3.1709.

(d)

Burial. When VA determines that a veteran's remains are unclaimed, the Director of the VA regional office in the area in which the veteran died will immediately complete arrangements for burial in a national cemetery or, at his or her option, in a cemetery or cemetery section meeting the requirements of paragraph (b) of § 3.1707, Plot or interment allowance.

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Amendments

[79 FR 32658, June 6, 2014, as amended at 89 FR 78254, Sept. 25, 2024]

Source

Source: 79 FR 32658, June 6, 2014, unless otherwise noted.

Authority

Authority: 105 Stat. 386, 38 U.S.C. 501(a), 2303-2308, unless otherwise noted.

Amendments

[79 FR 32658, June 6, 2014, as amended at 89 FR 78254, Sept. 25, 2024]

§3.1709. Transportation expenses for burial.

38 C.F.R. § 3.1709

(a)

General. VA will pay the transportation expenses, subject to paragraph (d) of this section, of a veteran's remains to the place of burial for a veteran described in paragraph (b) of this section or for burial in a national cemetery or a covered veterans' cemetery, as defined in § 3.1700(b)(2), for a veteran described in paragraph (c) of this section.

(b)

Eligibility for transportation to the place of burial under 38 U.S.C. 2303(a). VA will pay the expense incurred to transport an eligible veteran's remains to the place of burial, subject to paragraph (d) of this section, where the death occurs within a State and the place of burial is in the same State or any other State.

(1)

A veteran described in this paragraph is a deceased veteran who meets any of the following criteria—

(i)

A veteran covered under 38 CFR 3.1705(b), or a veteran who died of a service-connected disability and who also satisfies the criteria listed under 38 CFR 3.1705(b)).

(ii)

A veteran covered under 38 CFR 3.1706(b).

(iii)

A veteran covered under 38 CFR 3.1708(b).

(2)

A payment authorized under paragraph (b) of this section shall not duplicate any payment authorized under paragraph (c) of this section.

(c)

Eligibility for transportation benefit under 38 U.S.C. 2308. For a veteran described below, VA will pay for the expense incurred, subject to paragraph (d) of this section, to transport a veteran's remains for burial in a national cemetery or a covered veterans' cemetery, as defined in 38 CFR 3.1700(b)(2).

(1)

A veteran described in this paragraph is a deceased veteran who—

(i)

Died as the result of a service-connected disability and who is not eligible for the transportation benefit under paragraph (b) of this section; or

(ii)

Died outside of a State.

(2)

The amount payable under this paragraph (c) will not exceed the cost of transporting the remains to the national cemetery closest to the veteran's last place of residence in which burial space is available and is subject to the limitations set forth in paragraph (d) of this section.

(3)

A payment authorized under this paragraph (c) shall not duplicate any payment authorized under paragraph (b) of this section.

(d)

Reimbursable transportation expenses.

(1)

VA will pay reasonable transportation expenses, including but not limited to the costs of shipment via common carrier (i.e., procuring permits for shipment, a shipping case, sealing of the shipping case, and applicable Federal taxes) and costs of transporting the remains to the place of burial.

(2)

A reasonable transportation expense is an expense that is usual and customary in the context of burial transportation, with a corresponding charge that is the usual and customary charge made to the general public for the same or similar services.

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Amendments

[79 FR 32658, June 6, 2014, as amended at 89 FR 78254, Sept. 25, 2024]

Source

Source: 79 FR 32658, June 6, 2014, unless otherwise noted.

Authority

Authority: 105 Stat. 386, 38 U.S.C. 501(a), 2303-2308, unless otherwise noted.

Amendments

[79 FR 32658, June 6, 2014, as amended at 89 FR 78254, Sept. 25, 2024]

§3.1710. Escheat (payment of burial benefits to an estate with no heirs).

38 C.F.R. § 3.1710

VA will not pay burial benefits if the payment would escheat (that is, would be turned over to the State because there are no heirs to the estate of the person to whom such benefits would be paid).

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Source

Source: 79 FR 32658, June 6, 2014, unless otherwise noted.

Authority

Authority: 105 Stat. 386, 38 U.S.C. 501(a), 2303-2308, unless otherwise noted.

§3.1711. Effect of contributions by government, public, or private organizations.

38 C.F.R. § 3.1711

(a)

Contributions by government or employer. With respect to claims for a plot or interment allowance under § 3.1707, if VA has evidence that the U.S., a State, any agency or political subdivision of the U.S. or of a State, Tribal organization, or the employer of the deceased veteran has paid or contributed payment to the veteran's plot or interment expenses, VA will pay the claimant up to the lesser of:

(1)

The allowable statutory amount; or

(2)

The amount of the total plot or interment expenses minus the amount of expenses paid by any or all of the organizations described in this paragraph (a).

(b)

Burial expenses paid by other agencies of the U.S.

(1)

Burial allowance when Federal law or regulation also provides for payment. VA cannot pay the non-service-connected burial allowance when any Federal law or regulation also specifically provides for the payment of the deceased veteran's burial, funeral, or transportation expenses. However, VA will pay the non-service-connected burial allowance when a Federal law or regulation allows the payment of burial expenses using funds due, or accrued to the credit of, the deceased veteran (such as Social Security benefits), but the law or regulation does not specifically require such payment. In such cases, VA will pay the maximum amount specified in 38 U.S.C. 2303.

(2)

Payment by military service department. VA will not pay or will recoup the non-service-connected burial allowance for deaths occurring during active service or for other deaths for which the service department pays the burial, funeral, or transportation expenses.

(3)

When a veteran dies while hospitalized. When a veteran dies while hospitalized at the expense of the U.S. government (including, but not limited to, death in a VA facility) and benefits would be otherwise payable under 10 U.S.C. 1482 and a provision of this subpart B, only one of these benefits is payable. VA will attempt to locate a relative of the veteran or another person entitled to reimbursement under § 3.1702(b) and will ask that person to elect between these benefits.

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Amendments

[79 FR 32658, June 6, 2014, as amended at 89 FR 78255, Sept. 25, 2024]

Source

Source: 79 FR 32658, June 6, 2014, unless otherwise noted.

Authority

Authority: 105 Stat. 386, 38 U.S.C. 501(a), 2303-2308, unless otherwise noted.

Amendments

[79 FR 32658, June 6, 2014, as amended at 89 FR 78255, Sept. 25, 2024]