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Q683: I served in the USAF from 1963 -1967 with no overseas/combat duty. I did make use of a veteran home loan benefits when we bought our current home in 1971. I had no further VA contact but now, at 78, seek to re-establish our relationship. I feel I should get information about funeral arrangements, reservations at Crownsville Veteran Cemetery, as well as available care options. My wife (80) and I own our own home but should be aware of other options, should our health status change drastically. What do you think our next steps should be?
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A1: If you are talking about the Crownsville Cemetery in Maryland, that is a State VA cemetery and can be contacted at 410-987-6320. For National Cemeteries, http://www.cem.va.gov. (CM) 3/10/21
A2: You should contact that cemetery you named and make the necessary arrangements. As for the funeral again you can do a prepaid arrangement and then after the fact next of kin can file for the burial benefit. (GR) 3/10/21
A3: The Crownsville Veteran Cemetery in Maryland follows the same burial requirements as the VA's National Cemeteries use but have an additional residency requirement for the veteran. Those requirement can be found here: https://veterans.maryland.gov/cemetery-and-memorial-program/
If your health gets worse and your income is limited, you might consider applying for the VA's non-service connected pension. You have the wartime service requirement met. If you are service connected, but at a lower percentage, VA will pay the greater benefit. VA takes your gross household income and reduces it by continuing medical expenses (Medicare Part, private medical insurance, personal care, assisted living fees, etc) If your combined income then falls below the maximum allowed income, then the VA will pay the difference. That is a simplistic statement. If you want to pursue this, contact an accredited VSO in your area and they will be able to explain it more in depth. (DS) 3/11/21