Does a veteran with a 1947 "undesirable" discharge qualify for any VA benefits? Specifically, can they be buried in a national cemetery?

Again, as I stated in the first post, "... Most good funeral service professionals can help you sort out what is covered and not covered by the V.A. ..." Also, they can help you replace papers. Check your local yellow pages for Funeral Service Providers and notice which ones make a point of stating they honor veterans. These are the ones who would be most knowledgeable and helpful about veterans benefits. If you ask them for help with that, you are not obligated to use them as your provider when you need funeral services. You can still do "consumer research" and decide which provider you want to use, but in the meantime the provider that is going after the "veterans market" will be very helpful. Blessings to all, especially to the one who said "we don't want undesirables resting among us." You need the blessing most of all. I hope you learn some compassion, acceptance, and tolerance before you die, since I assume you are NOT the first perfect person who has walked the earth in over 2000 years. If you were, I'm sure we would have all heard about you before now. ;)

My understanding is that as long as a veteran's discharge was anything OTHER THAN "dishonorable," the veteran is entitled to VA funeral and burial benefits. BTW, so is his/her spouse and dependent children. The staff at the National Cemeteries can confirm this. You should know that any any funeral expenses incurred BEFORE THE BODY ARRIVES AT THE GATE OF THE CEMETERY are not covered. That would include removal of the body, storage in climate-controlled facility while death certificate is processed (often mandatory by law), embalming, cremation, cost of casket or urn, any costs associated with a memorial service or funeral, transport to the cemetery, etc. etc. Most good funeral service professionals can help you sort out what is covered and not covered by the V.A. Hope this is helpful. Blessings to you.

One other important note to the above ... the veteran must apply for this benefit of internment at a National Cemetery before the veteran passes away. VA benefits are not paid out to deceased non-active veterans. The VA will also require that you make all funeral arrangements prior to approval of an application for internment and will be verified by the VA.

My father of 87 years, honorably discharged in 1945, who will be interned at the Gerald B.H. Solomon National Cemetery in Saratoga, NY, was under the impression at first "Oh you can take care of all that after I'm gone" which, as his POA, health care proxy and executor, found out is not true. Applications for benefits must be made while the veteran is still living.

Children should question where the proof of military service is, NEVER send the original proof to the VA, it may never be seen again.
Request from the National Archives a 'certified' copy of the Military service and keep it in a safe place, to save a a lot of drama and trauma later.
Unless the death is service Connected expect only about $300. from the VA
google up 'Bugles across America", for TAPS.

Undesirable, bad conduct, and any other type of discharge other than honorable may or may not qualify the individual for Veterans benefits, depending upon a determination made by a VA Regional Office.

Sorry I clicked before I could finish post. This is from the United States Department of Veteran's Affairs concerning burial in a National cemetery.

If he appeals his discharge, to a general or honorable, then he would qualify for any and all benefits do any other veteran. He must appeal to the branch of service he was in.

yes, what nick said was cruel and unnecessary, i didn't touch it because the things i would have said would have gotten me kicked out of here.

nick, you have no idea why the man has an undesirable discharge so it's best to keep your mouth shut. for all you know it could have been PTSD. back then he would have been put out of the military for it as PTSD was unheard of. the fact that it was not a bad conduct or dishonorable is your first clue that whatever it was, was likely to be a small thing. as a veteran in the VA system i know to listen and learn before i speak, and i try really hard not to make a judgement on a fellow veteran. try that.

"undesirable discharge" Defined ...

"Undesirable discharge refers to an administrative discharge under "conditions other than honorable.” It is generally given to a member of the military who does not qualify for an honorable discharge. An undesirable discharge does not involve punishment. It reflects only that the military has found the particular individual unfit or unsuitable for further service. No criminal charges are brought and no further sanction, such as fine or imprisonment, is imposed for the conduct which forms the basis for the undesirable discharge."

So, maybe the guy had a hard time carrying his rifle? Big deal. He is still a veteran and deserves just respect. We are not all born to be heroes.

Thank You Pamela Sue!

And that should now bring us to close on this discussion! Meeting adjourned!