Veteran Services

Many of us take our freedoms for granted, but our staff at Davis-Babcock Funeral Home Inc. 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.

A coffin with white roses and green carnations on it.

What are VA burial benefits and memorial items?

The VA burial benefits are designed to assist service members, veterans, and their families plan and pay for a burial or memorial service in a VA national cemetery. Memorial items are provided through the Veterans Affairs to honor the service of those who have served the country.

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 received an honorable, medical or general discharge. A DD214 or similar form will be required in order to confirm eligibility.
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

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.

What are burial benefits and how do I apply?

The veterans death benefits help cover the burial, funeral and transportation costs associated with the deceased’s services and disposition. For those being buried in a national cemetery, survivors can receive assistance with the burial and funeral costs, the plot or internment, and the transporting of the veteran’s remains for burial.

You must file a claim for a non-service-connected burial allowance within two years after the veteran’s burial or cremation. There is no time limit to file for a service-connected burial, plot or interment allowance.

A visit to the Veterans Service Commission in your home county is your best place to start. These offices are staffed by personnel who "know the ropes" and can help determine what benefits a family might be eligible to receive, and also to assist with the associated paperwork. You will need a certified copy of the death certificate, a copy of the honorable, medical, or general discharge and a copy of the paid funeral bill for the veteran.

A veteran who received an honorable, medical, or general discharge or a service member who died while on active duty may be eligible for a headstone or marker if they meet certain requirements. To find out if your deceased loved one qualifies, visit www.va.gov or inquire at the funeral home. Please note that not all cemeteries will accept a VA provided headstone or marker. The Department of Veteran Affairs also provides a headstone for unmarked graves of an eligible deceased veteran at no charge. To request a headstone, grave marker, or niche marker, fill out the VA Form 10-1330 and send to:

Department of Veteran Affairs; 5109 Russell Road; Quantico, VA 22134-3909.

For more information regarding VA burial benefits and memorial items, visit https://www.va.gov/burials-memorials/ or contact the VA office at 1-800-827-1000.

The Lake County Veterans Service Office is located in the Lake County Administration Center, 105 East Main Street, Painesville, Ohio and you may contact them at (440) 350-5904. It is best to schedule an appointment, to

minimize your wait time at the their office.