Veterans Service

Veterans Services in Coudersport, PA

A lot of us don't think about how lucky we are to have freedoms, but the staff at Thomas E. Fickinger Funeral Home, Ltd. is proud to remember and honor the brave people who have served our country.


These brave men and women showed incredible patriotism, a deep love for their country, and a willingness to protect others without thinking of their own safety, even when it meant putting their own lives in danger.


Our knowledgeable staff is dedicated to providing excellent service and professional support to help families fill out the forms and paperwork needed to get all the benefits that the United States Department of Veterans Affairs offers to the families of deceased veterans.


We feel honored and privileged to help those who served our country.

A Marine salutes graves at a cemetery, wearing dress uniform, with white headwear and belt.

What are VA burial benefits and memorial items?

The VA burial benefits program is meant to help service members, veterans, and their families plan and pay for burial or memorial services in VA national cemeteries. These full benefits help make sure that veterans get the respectful final tribute they deserve for their service.


The Department of Veterans Affairs gives out memorial items to honor and remember the service of those who dedicated their lives to protecting our country. These things will always remind us of how thankful we are for the sacrifices made by veterans and their families.

Who qualifies for burial benefits and burial in a national cemetery?

If veterans, active service members, their spouses, or eligible dependents meet one or more of the following requirements, they may be able to be buried in a VA national cemetery and get other valuable benefits:


Eligible Veterans and Service Members:


  • A veteran who did not receive a dishonorable discharge – Veterans who served honorably are eligible for burial in national cemeteries
  • A service member who died while on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty for training – Those who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving
  • The spouse or minor child of an eligible veteran – Family members qualify for burial benefits even if the veteran passed away first
  • In certain cases, the unmarried adult dependent child of a veteran – Adult children who meet specific dependency criteria may also be eligible


Our funeral directors will help you figure out if you qualify and walk you through the application process to make sure your loved one gets all the benefits they're entitled to.

Eligibility for the Burial Flag:

To be eligible for the burial flag, the veteran or reservist must meet at least one of the following requirements:


  • Served during wartime – Veterans who served during any officially declared war or conflict period
  • Died while serving on active duty after May 27, 1941 – Service members who made the ultimate sacrifice
  • Served after January 31, 1955 – Post-Korean War era veterans
  • Served in peacetime and left military service before June 27, 1950 – After completing at least one full enlistment or due to a disability that was caused or aggravated by active military service
  • Served in the Selected Reserves – Members of reserve components who met minimum service requirements
  • Served in the military forces of the Philippines while in service of the United States – And died on or after April 25, 1951

What are burial benefits and how do I apply?

The Department of Veterans Affairs offers death benefits to help pay for the burial, funeral, and transportation costs that come with the veteran's services and final resting place. These financial benefits can make things a lot easier for families who are already going through a hard time.

Benefits for National Cemetery Burial:

Survivors of veterans who are buried in a national cemetery can get a lot of help, such as:



  • Burial and funeral cost reimbursement – Financial assistance with service expenses
  • Plot or interment at no cost – Free burial space in a national cemetery
  • Transportation of remains – Assistance with costs to transport the veteran's remains to the national cemetery for burial

Important Application Deadlines:

  • Non-Service-Connected Burial Allowance: You must file a claim within two years after the veteran's burial or cremation
  • Service-Connected Burial, Plot, or Interment Allowance: There is no time limit to file these claims

How to Apply for Burial Benefits:

Option 1: Apply Online
Visit https://www.va.gov/burials-and-memorials/application/530/introduction to complete your application electronically.



Option 2: Apply by Mail
Complete VA Form 21P-530 (Application for Burial Benefits) and mail to the address provided on the form.

Our staff is available to assist you with completing these applications and ensuring all necessary documentation is properly submitted.

VA Headstones, Markers, and Medallions

A veteran who didn't get a dishonorable discharge or a service member who died while on active duty may be able to get a headstone or marker from the government if they meet certain requirements.

Free Headstones for Unmarked Graves:

The Department of Veterans Affairs will give a headstone, grave marker, or niche marker for free to the family of an eligible deceased veteran who does not have one. This makes sure that every veteran's grave is properly marked and respected.

How to Request a Headstone or Marker:

Check Eligibility:

Visit https://www.va.gov/burials-memorials/memorial-items/headstones-markers-medallions/ to determine if your deceased loved one qualifies.


Submit Application:
Complete VA Form 40-1330 (Claim for Standard Government Headstone or Marker) and send to:


Department of Veterans Affairs
Memorial Programs Service (41A1)
5109 Russell Road
Quantico, VA 22134-3909

How Thomas E. Fickinger Funeral Home Can Help

Navigating VA benefits and military funeral honors can feel overwhelming during your time of grief. Our experienced staff is here to help with:


  • Determining eligibility for all available VA benefits and programs
  • Completing required forms accurately and submitting them promptly
  • Coordinating military funeral honors with the appropriate military branch
  • Arranging burial in national cemeteries or local cemeteries with military sections
  • Ordering burial flags and ensuring proper flag presentation ceremonies
  • Applying for headstones and markers through the VA
  • Maximizing all available benefits to ease financial burdens on your family


We consider it our sacred duty to ensure that every veteran receives the full honors and benefits they have earned through their service to our nation.

Additional Resources and Information

For More Information:



VA Burials and Memorials Website:
 https://www.va.gov/burials-memorials/


VA National Contact Center:
1-800-827-1000
Available Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM ET


National Cemetery Scheduling Office:
1-800-535-1117
To schedule a burial in a VA national cemetery