Care Through Every Step 

Honoring Their Service

A Personal Farewell

Honoring Our Heroes with Respect and Gratitude

Many of us take our freedoms for granted, but our staff at Christy-Smith Funeral Homes proudly acknowledges the sacrifices made by those who have served our country through their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to protect others

Our staff is committed to providing quality service and professional assistance to help families complete the necessary forms to obtain benefits that are provided through the United States Department of Veterans Affairs for deceased veterans.

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What are VA burial benefits and memorial items?

Veterans' death benefits help cover burial, funeral, and transportation costs associated with the deceased’s services and final disposition, easing the financial burden on families while honoring the service and sacrifice of our nation’s veterans.

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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
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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.

Veterans Burial Benefits

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers burial benefits to help eligible veterans and their families with certain funeral, burial, cremation, and transportation expenses. Depending on eligibility, benefits may include a burial and funeral allowance, a plot or interment allowance, and reimbursement for transporting the veteran's remains to a final resting place.


To qualify for a non-service-connected burial allowance, the person applying must meet the VA's eligibility requirements. Claims for non-service-connected burial benefits generally must be filed within two years after the veteran's burial or cremation. There is no time limit for filing a claim for a service-connected burial, plot, or interment allowance.



You can apply online through the VA Burial Benefits Application or by mail using VA Form 21P-530EZ, Application for Burial Benefits.

Veterans Headstones and Markers

The VA provides a government-furnished headstone, grave marker, or niche marker at no cost for eligible veterans and service members. Eligibility depends on military service and other requirements established by the VA. This benefit may also be available for eligible veterans whose graves are currently unmarked, as well as certain memorial situations when remains are unavailable.


To determine eligibility and request a headstone or marker, complete VA Form 40-1330, Claim for Standard Government Headstone or Marker. Applications may be submitted online through AccessVA or by mail to:


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



For additional information about veterans burial benefits, headstones, markers, and other memorial items, visit the Department of Veterans Affairs Burial and Memorial Benefits website or call 1-800-827-1000. For questions specifically about headstone and marker applications, call 1-800-697-6947.

Burial Flags

You may be eligible for a United States burial flag if you are the next of kin or a close friend of a veteran or reservist who meets the VA’s service requirements. To apply, complete VA Form 27-2008, Application for United States Flag for Burial Purposes, and submit it to a funeral director, a VA regional office, or a United States post office.



For eligibility requirements and application details, visit the VA Burial Flags page.