NFDA has been busy advocating for you and the veterans you serve! Recently, NFDA worked with Congress and the Department of Veterans Affairs as they updated the regulations pertaining to casket and urn reimbursement for the unclaimed remains of veterans (38 C.F.R. § 38.628). The new regulations go into effect July 26, 2023.
Summary of Changes
- Implementation of the Charles Duncan Buried with Honor Act of 2016 that expands the casket and urn authority to apply to eligible veteran burials in State and Tribal cemeteries that received a VA cemetery grant.
- VA to issue flat-rate allowances for caskets and urns rather than calculate the average cost for those items on an annual basis. Using flat-rate allowances promotes consistency and efficiency in the administration of this program. Allowances will be adjusted annually based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The allowance rates are:
- Metal Casket $1,199.00
- Urn of durable material $138.00
- For caskets specifications, VA revises the definition of a “casket” for allowance purposes in §38.628(c)(5)(i) “Caskets must be of metal construction of at least 20-gauge thickness, designed for containing human remains, sufficient to contain the remains of the deceased veteran, and include external fixed rails or swing arm handles”.
Requesting an Allowance
An individual or entity may request an allowance from VA by completing and submitting VA Form 40-10088 and supporting documentation, in accordance with the instructions on the form.
This is just one example of how NFDA is actively advocating for you, your business and the profession every day in Washington, D.C. Our deep and long-standing relationships with Congress and federal agencies, like the VA, mean that NFDA is the organization they trust when they have questions about funeral service.
To learn more about NFDA’s efforts to drive change and protect your interests in Washington, D.C., visit www.nfda.org/Advocacy.