Overview
In This Section |
This section contains the following topics:
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1. Presidential Memorial Certificates (Certificate)
Introduction |
This topic contains information on issuing the Presidential Memorial Certificates (Certificate), including |
Change Date |
March 17, 2017
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VII.1.D.1.a.Qualifying Eligibility for a Certificate |
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) may issue a Presidential Memorial Certificate (Certificate) to eligible persons to honor the memory and service of
Wartime service is not a prerequisite nor does a death certificate need to be of record before a Certificate can be issued.
Reference: For more information about Certificate eligibility, see National Cemetery Administration (NCA) website.
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VII.1.D.1.c. When a Certificate Is Not Authorized |
Certificates are not authorized in the following cases:
Notes:
References: For more information on
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VII.1.D.1.e.Verification of the Veteran’s Service for Certificates |
Before issuing a Certificate, verify the Veteran’s service through
Important: Do not develop a Veteran’s service solely to determine eligibility for a Certificate.
References: For more information on
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VII.1.D.1.f. Using the CERTIFICATE Screen |
Use the PRESIDENTIAL MEMORIAL CERTIFICATE screen in Share when issuing a Certificate.
There are three methods for accessing the PRESIDENTIAL MEMORIAL CERTIFICATE screen. They are
Reference: For more information on Share, see the Share User Guide.
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VII.1.D.1.g. Ensuring Accuracy on the Certificate |
VA personnel must input the Veteran’s name and recipient address information correctly.
Use the guidelines listed below to verify that the information on the Certificate is accurate.
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VII.1.D.1.h. Issuing Certificates |
Only complete the PRESIDENTIAL MEMORIAL CERTIFICATE screen once when a date of death is entered during claims establishment or FNOD processing to avoid sending more than one certificate.
Use the table below to issue Certificates and to avoid accidentally issuing multiple Certificates.
Reference: For more information on issuing multiple Certificates, see M21-1, Part VII,1.D.1.k.
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VII.1.D.1.i. Annotating Certificate Mail |
Annotate the date and initial Certificate mail whenever a
Note: If notice of death (NOD) mail is located in an electronic claims folder (eFolder), then make an electronic annotation in the appropriate system.
Annotation Examples:
Reference: For information on VBMS annotations, see VBMS Resources – Job Aids.
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VII.1.D.1.k. Requests for Multiple Certificates |
If more than one Certificate is requested at the same time, issue one Certificate and send the claimant a VA Form 40-0247, Presidential Memorial Certificate Request Form to request the additional Certificates.
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VII.1.D.1.l. Handling Certificate Requests When Character of Discharge Is Less Than General Under Honorable |
In some cases, an applicant may request a Certificate for a Veteran who was discharged under other than honorable conditions. Advise the applicant that there is no eligibility for the memorial certificate.
Do not
Note: If there were two or more separate periods of service, with at least one discharge under honorable conditions or general under honorable, issue a Certificate.
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VII.1.D.1.m. Printing Certificates |
Certificates are printed at VA Central Office (VACO) (403C) based on information furnished in the PRESIDENTIAL MEMORIAL CERTIFICATE screen.
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2. Burial Flags
Introduction |
This topic contains information on issuing burial flags, including
|
Change Date |
May 22, 2017
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VII.1.D.2.a. Veterans Eligible for a Burial Flag |
Generally, VA will furnish a burial flag for Veteran with an other than dishonorable discharge. This includes Veterans who
VA will also furnish a burial flag to memorialize
Reference: For more information on eligibility for burial flags see 38 CFR 1.10.
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VII.1.D.2.b. Veterans Who Are Not Eligible for a Burial Flag |
After September 1, 1959, an individual convicted of any of a list of specified offenses involving subversive activities forfeits the rights to any VA gratuitous benefits. Additional offenses involving subversive activities were added for claims filed after December 16, 2003.
For deaths that occurred on or after December 6, 2002, under Public Law (PL) 107-330, VA will not furnish a burial flag for memorialization of
For burials on or after January 10, 2013, under PL 112-260, VA will not
furnish a burial flag for interment or memorialization of a person who has been convicted of a Federal or State crime causing the person to be
Note: In cases of conviction for capital crimes, the prohibitions do not apply unless written notice of conviction is received prior to the approval of an application for a burial flag. Such notice shall be furnished by the Attorney General, in the case of a Federal capital crime, and by the appropriate State official in the case of a State capital crime.
References: For more information on
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VII.1.D.2.c. Required Application for a Burial Flag |
Burial flags may be issued upon receipt of a properly completed VA Form 27-2008, Application for United States Flag for Burial Purposes.
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VII.1.D.2.d. Who May Receive a Burial Flag |
A burial flag may be issued to the next-of-kin, close friend or associate of the deceased Veteran.
Important: VA will not issue a flag if the close friend or associate is also entitled to receive a burial flag from the service department.
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VII.1.D.2.e. Obtaining a Burial Flag |
Applicants seeking a burial flag are be required to submit a completed VA Form 27-2008, and attach a copy of DD Form 214, or other documentation that contains acceptable evidence of the eligibility of the deceased Veteran whenever possible.
Notes:
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VII.1.D.2.f. Issuing a Burial Flag to Next-of-Kin |
When a flag is actually used to drape the casket of a deceased Veteran, it must be delivered to the next-of-kin following interment.
The term next-of-kin for the purpose of issuing a burial flag includes the following person(s) in the order of preference listed:
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VII.1.D.2.g. Issuing a Burial Flag to Close Friend or Associate |
When the flag is not claimed by the next-of-kin, it may be given, upon request, to a close friend or associate of the deceased Veteran.
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VII.1.D.2.h. When MoreThan One Claim for a Burial Flag Is Received |
When more than one request for the burial flag is received, and each is accompanied by satisfactory evidence of relationship or association, the head of the VA field facility having jurisdiction over the burial flag quota will determine which applicant is the one most equitably entitled to the burial flag.
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VII.1.D.2.i. Who May Issue a Burial Flag |
The following facilities may issue burial flags:
Request burial flags from NCA at following address:
Memorial Programs Service (41A1)
Department of Veterans Affairs
5109 Russell Road
Quantico, VA 22134-3903
Or fax requests to NCA at 1-800-455-7143.
Note: These facilities are referred to as issue points.
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VII.1.D.2.j. Initial Process for Burial Flag Issuing Offices |
Veterans Service Centers (VSCs) and U.S. Post Offices will accept a VA Form 27-2008, ensuring all appropriate information is completed, and issue one flag per Veteran. Under no circumstances should flags be issued without a properly completed form.
Forms processed by a U.S. Post Office must be mailed to the appropriate ROwithin three days of receipt to ensure timely notification of death to the VA.
VSCs and U.S. Post Offices should ensure that a legible address is entered into the ADDRESS OF POST OFFICE OR OTHER FLAG ISSUE POINT box to ensure a replenishment flag can be issued.
Notes:
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VII.1.D.2.k. VSC Responsibilities Upon Receipt of VA Form 27-2008 From a Burial Flag Issuing Office |
VSCs should follow the steps below when they receive a VA Form 27-2008 from a flag issuing office.
Note: VSCs can find complete guidance and VAMC Distribution Center addresses at the SDC website, or by sending an e-mail message to Flags.Interment@va.gov, or in an emergency by calling (708) 786-7758 or 7509.
Important:
Reference: For more information on replenishing burial flags, see M21-1, Part VII, 1.D.2.m.
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VII.1.D.2.l. Availability of Burial Flags |
All VA offices must maintain a sufficient supply of flags. Flags stocked for these purposes must not be displayed in public contact areas.
Each issue point is responsible for maintaining its stock of flags.
Note: VSCMs should periodically survey U.S. Post Offices within their jurisdiction to ensure that adequate supplies of flags and applications are available.
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VII.1.D.2.m. Replenishing Burial Flags |
All offices issuing flags (i.e. U.S. Post Offices, VA medical centers (VAMCs) and national cemeteries), should have an assigned VSC and point of contact (POC) at that facility for requesting replenishment of flags.
An initial supply of flags for new issuing offices should be obtained by requesting an initial stock from the VA Service and Distribution Center (SDC) who will supply the flags and assign the new post office to the appropriate RO for future replenishment support.
The SDC will forward a copy of the assignment letter to the VSC with initial POC information. For initial stock or in the event of a problem with the replenishment process, the SDC Operations Division, Hines, IL, may be contacted for assistance by sending an e-mail message to Flags.Interment@va.gov, or in an emergency calling (708) 786-7758 or 7509.
When placing replenishment orders for flags, issuing offices should provide their servicing VSC with all the completed VA Form 27-2008s they have collected.
Notes:
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VII.1.D.2.n. Donation of Burial Flags to VA National Cemeteries |
Families may donate U.S. flags received upon the death of a Veteran for use on national holidays at VA national cemeteries. Upon inquiry, inform the families that donated flags should be
If the next-of-kin brings a flag to an VSC
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3. Burial Headstones and Markers
Introduction |
This topic contains information on issuing burial headstones and markers, including
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Change Date |
March 17, 2017
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VII.1.D.3.a. Who Is Eligible for a Government Headstone or Marker |
Except for those listed in M21-1, Part VII, 1.D.3.b, VA will furnish a government headstone or marker for a Veteran who
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VII.1.D.3.b. Who Is Not Eligible for a Government Headstone or Marker |
Any individual convicted after September 1, 1959, of any of a list of offenses involving subversive activities will forfeit the right to VA gratuitous benefits. PL 108-183, effective for claims filed after December 16, 2003, further expanded the list of offenses.
For death on or after December 6, 2002, under PL 107-330, eligibility is precluded for anyone
Note: In cases of conviction, the prohibitions do not apply unless written notice of conviction is received prior to approval of the application for government headstone or marker. Such notice shall be furnished by the Attorney General, in cases of Federal capital crimes, and the appropriate State official in cases of State capital crimes.
Reference: For more information on offenses involving subversive activities, see38 CFR 3.903.
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VII.1.D.3.c. Government Headstone or Marker for Deaths Before November 1, 1990 |
For Veterans’ deaths occurring before November 1, 1990, government headstones or markers are furnished for unmarked graves only.
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VII.1.D.3.d. Government Headstone or Marker for Deaths on or After November 1, 1990 |
Under PL 110-157, which amends PL 107-330, government headstones or markers may also be furnished if the Veteran died on or after November 1, 1990, regardless of whether the grave is already marked with a headstone or marker purchased at private expense.
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VII.1.D.3.e. Furnishing a Memorial Headstone or Marker When There Is No Grave |
A memorial headstone or marker, if requested, is furnished for placement by the applicant in any national, private or local cemetery to commemorate any Veteran whose remains
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VII.1.D.3.f. Costs Associated with Transportation and Placement of a Government Headstone or Marker |
The government prepays shipping charges to the extent indicated on VA Form 40-1330, Claim for Standard Government Headstone or Marker.
The government does not cover the following costs:
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VII.1.D.3.g. Required Application for a Government Headstone or Marker |
A claim for a standard government headstone or marker for installation in a private or local cemetery is made on VA Form 40-1330.
Note: If a VA marker is issued and later the family purchases a headstone, NCA will send the family a letter requesting the marker be returned.
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VII.1.D.3.h. Address for Referral of Requests for a Government Headstone or Marker |
Refer requests for a government headstone or marker to NCA at the following address:
Memorial Programs Service (41B)
Department of Veterans Affairs
5109 Russell Road
Quantico, VA 22134-3903
Or fax requests to NCA at 1-800-455-7143.
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VII.1.D.3.i. Eligibility Requirements for Reimbursement of Non-Government Headstones and Markers |
Between October 18, 1978 and October 31, 1990, VA reimbursed individuals for privately purchased headstones and markers. Section 8041 of PL 101-508repealed the statute, effective November 1, 1990, to preclude such reimbursements.
To be eligible for reimbursement of a non-government headstone or marker, a Veteran must have
Exception: Veterans buried in a State-owned Veterans or post cemetery or soldiers of the Union or Confederate Armies are not eligible.
Notes:
References: For more information on
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VII.1.D.3.j. Required Application for Headstone Reimbursement |
A claim for reimbursement for a non-government headstone or marker is made onVA Form 21P-8834, Application for Reimbursement of Headstone or Marker Expenses.
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VII.1.D.3.k. Eligible Claimants for Non-Government Headstones |
Any person, including the executor, administrator, or a person representing the deceased’s estate, who purchased the headstone or marker or who paid for the additional engraving on an existing headstone or marker may file a claim.
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VII.1.D.3.l. Required Evidence for Reimbursement or Marker Expenses |
Before award action can be taken, a receipted bill is required showing
Important:
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VII.1.D.3.m. Time Limit for Headstone Reimbursement |
There is no time limit for applying for reimbursement for a non-Government headstone or marker.
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VII.1.D.3.n. Amount Payable for Non-Government Markers |
The amount of reimbursement will be the lesser of the
Entitlement to both a government headstone and reimbursement for a non-government headstone does not exist.
Note: This determination is made at the end of each fiscal year and is based on the average cost of government-procured headstones and markers during that period.
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VII.1.D.3.o. Priority of Payment |
The first claim for reimbursement accompanied by a receipted bill will take precedence over any other claim for reimbursement.
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VII.1.D.3.p. Reimbursement for Prepaid Headstones or Markers |
Use the table below to determine reimbursement for prepaid headstones or markers.
Reference: For more information on making a payment to the deceased Veteran’s estate, see M21-1, Part VII, 1.C.2.a.
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VII.1.D.3.q. Reimbursement When No Administrator or Executor Exists |
If there is no administrator or executor, make payment to a claimant who
Note: The procedures for identifying unpaid creditors do not apply to reimbursement for headstone or marker expenses.
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