A Guide for Grieving Families: Navigating VA Death and Burial Benefits

Losing a loved one is one of the most difficult experiences in life. Amid the grief, the last thing you want to face is a mountain of confusing paperwork. I often get calls from family members who say, "My dad just died. I don't know what to do". If you're in this situation, please know that you are not alone, and there is help available to navigate the process of claiming the VA benefits your loved one earned.

Here are two important things to keep in mind.

The Details on a Death Certificate Are Crucial

When it comes to a death claim, every detail matters, especially on the death certificate. Most people don't know you can revise a death certificate, but it can make a significant difference.

For example, I recently assisted a family whose father's death certificate listed "failure to thrive" as the cause of death. There's no VA claim for that. However, the veteran also had diabetes, and failure to thrive can be secondary to diabetes. After we helped the family get the death certificate revised to include diabetes, the claim was viewed completely differently. The difference is huge: if a veteran dies from a service-connected condition, the family can get up to a $2,000 reimbursement for burial. If not, it's only $350. That one small change unlocked the full benefits the family deserved.

It's Often Not Too Late to File

Many grieving families feel that if they didn't file a claim immediately, they have missed their chance. This is often not the case. It's important not to give up hope just because some time has passed.

I recently began helping an 84-year-old woman whose husband died four years ago. For years, she had been trying to file a death claim for him and had gotten nowhere. After reviewing her situation, I was able to tell her what we needed to do, and now she's finally on the right track. The benefits your loved one earned don't just disappear, and there is often still a path forward.

You Don't Have to Navigate This Alone

Trying to understand VA procedures while grieving can feel impossible. You don't have to carry that burden by yourself. If you're a family member of a veteran who has passed away and you need guidance, please reach out. We can start with a no-cost initial assessment to listen to your situation and see how we can help.