When a Veteran Passes Away: What to Expect and How to Support
Losing a loved one is never easy, and when that loved one is a veteran, it can be especially difficult. Veterans have dedicated their lives to serving their country, and their passing can be a significant loss to their families, friends, and communities. In this article, we will explore what to expect when a veteran passes away, how to support their families, and what resources are available to help.
What to Expect When a Veteran Passes Away
When a veteran passes away, their loved ones may experience a range of emotions, from shock and grief to guilt and sadness. Here are some things to expect:
- Emotional Reactions: Veterans’ families may experience a range of emotional reactions, including denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance.
- Legal and Administrative Tasks: Surviving family members may need to navigate legal and administrative tasks, such as applying for veterans’ benefits, obtaining a death certificate, and filing a claim with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
- Funeral and Burial Arrangements: The VA provides burial benefits and may be able to help with funeral and burial arrangements.
- Grief and Bereavement Support: It’s essential for surviving family members to have access to grief and bereavement support, which can help them cope with their loss.
How to Support a Veteran’s Family
When a veteran passes away, it’s essential to support their family in the following ways:
- Listen and Validate: Listen to their stories, validate their feelings, and offer emotional support.
- Provide Practical Help: Offer to help with legal and administrative tasks, as well as with funeral and burial arrangements.
- Respect Their Wishes: Respect the veteran’s wishes regarding their funeral and burial, as well as any other final requests they may have made.
- Seek Professional Help: If the family is struggling to cope with their loss, consider seeking professional help from a mental health professional.
Resources Available to Support Veterans’ Families
The following resources are available to support veterans’ families:
- Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): The VA provides a range of benefits and services to eligible veterans and their families, including burial benefits, education and training benefits, and healthcare benefits.
- Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs): VSOs, such as the American Legion and Disabled American Veterans, provide support and advocacy to veterans and their families.
- Grief and Bereavement Support Groups: Many organizations, including the VA and VSOs, offer grief and bereavement support groups for surviving family members.
- Counseling and Mental Health Services: The VA and other organizations offer counseling and mental health services to help veterans and their families cope with the loss of a loved one.
Burial and Memorial Benefits
The VA provides a range of burial and memorial benefits to eligible veterans, including:
- Burial in a National Cemetery: The VA provides free burial in a national cemetery for eligible veterans.
- Headstone or Marker: The VA provides a headstone or marker for eligible veterans at no cost.
- Burial Flag: The VA provides a burial flag for eligible veterans at no cost.
- Reimbursement for Funeral and Burial Expenses: The VA may reimburse eligible veterans for funeral and burial expenses.
Table: Eligibility for VA Burial Benefits
| Eligibility Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| Active Duty: Veterans who served on active duty | Must have been discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions |
| Reserve and National Guard: Veterans who served in the Reserve or National Guard | Must have completed at least 90 days of active duty |
| Peacetime Service: Veterans who served during peacetime | Must have served at least 90 days of active duty |
| Disability Compensation: Veterans who receive disability compensation | Must have been discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions |
Conclusion
When a veteran passes away, their family and loved ones are left to navigate a range of emotions and challenges. By understanding what to expect and how to support a veteran’s family, we can help them cope with their loss and honor the memory of their loved one. The resources available to support veterans’ families, including the VA and VSOs, can provide vital support and assistance during this difficult time.
