Passing of a Veteran - What do I need to do now?
What to do in the Event of a Veteran’s Death:
IMMEDIATELY REPORT DEATH TO THE FOLLOWING AGENCIES:
VA Pension or Compensation (if veteran was receiving) to avoid an overpayment, you must notify the federal VA immediately at 1-800-827-1000. You will need the veteran’s full name, social security number, branch of Service, DOB, and date of death
Social Security Office Bend Phone: 800-772-1213
DEERS Phone: 800-538-9552
DFAS (Retired military only) Phone: 888-332-7411
VA Sponsored Life Insurance Phone: 800-669-8477
SGLI Life Insurance (retired military only) Phone: 800-419-1473
VA healthcare (if vet was enrolled) Notify the clinic to which they were assigned. Bend CBOC Phone: 541-647-5200
Secure a DD214 ( Discharge papers from service)
You will need the veteran’s DD214 to obtain a flag from the funeral home and obtain other federal VA benefits. If you do not have a DD214 you may submit an Urgent Request for Military Records to National Personnel Record Center.
To make an urgent burial request, you will need to complete request form SF 180 to the best of your ability. http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/standard-form-....
Please provide the Next of Kin’s dated signature and proof of death.
Fax the request form to the urgent fax line which is (314) 801-0764. Make the fax to ATTN: URGENT BURIAL, and please provide the date and time needed for burial/memorial service. Be sure to include a good phone number so they can call if any questions arise and a return fax number with the name the fax is to be addressed. Emergency requests are usually completed within 72 hours after receiving a faxed request. You can send a written request that includes the above information. That request can be faxed or mailed.
National Personnel Records Center
1 Archives Drive
St. Louis, MO 63138
Make Funeral Arrangements ( Work with your funeral home):
National Cemetery Option (casket and cremated remains)
Veterans who die on active duty, or with discharges that are other than dishonorable, are entitled by law a grave site in any national cemetery with available space, opening and closing of the grave. Burial benefits available include a grave site in a national cemetery with available space, opening and closing of the grave, perpetual care, a Government headstone or marker, a burial flag, and a Presidential Memorial Certificate, at no cost to the family.
Eagle Point National Cemetery
2763 Riley Rd.
Eagle Point, OR 97524
Phone: 541-826-2511
Fort Stevens National Cemetery
1090-1140 Russell Dr.
Hammond, OR 97121
Phone: 503-273-5250
Roseburg National Cemetery
913 Garden Valley Blvd
Roseburg, OR 97471
Phone: 541-677-3152
Willamette National Cemetery
11800 SE Mt. Scott Blvd.
Portland, OR 97086
Phone: 503-273-5250
Keep in mind the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) furnishes upon request, at no charge to the applicant, a Government headstone or marker for the unmarked grave of any deceased eligible Veteran in any cemetery around the world, regardless of their date of death.
To schedule a burial at a National Cemetery you will need to complete a two-step process:
Step 1: Fax Eligibility Documentation to 1-866-900-6417 or Scan and Email to NCA.Scheduling@va.gov
Step 2: Call 1-800-535-1117
It is encouraged that you visit the National Cemetery benefits page at https://www.cem.va.gov/burial_benefits/need.asp where you will find useful information related to any burial requests and benefits.
BURIAL at SEA 1-866-787-0081
Death Certificates on average run about $25.00 each and the funeral home often talks people into buying more than they need. BE ADVISED most agencies, other than insurance companies, will accept a copy of the death certificate.
Central Oregon Patriot Guard Motorcycle Escort to the church, funeral home, or cemetery
Contact Rusty Mann 702-515-9060
Madras VFW HONOR GUARD
Contact Greg McDonald 541-815-1228
Duane Ledford 541-788-3642
Make an appointment with your Veterans Service Officer
If you are eligible, your VSO can help you apply for VA benefits including:
Government Marker/Headstone/Medallion
Presidential Memorial Certificates
Burial Reimbursement
Surviving Spousal Pension ( income based program, vet must have served during a recognized wartime period)
Dependency and indemnity Compensation (service connected death)
You will need to obtain following documents prior to your scheduled appointment:
DD214
Death Certificate
Itemized burial expenses
Proof of relationship
Proof of income (if applying for pension)
If you are a resident of Jefferson County, contact the Veterans Service Office at 541-475-5228
