National Archives:
Request Military Service Records
https://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records
National Guard Bureau:
Prior Service – Retirement Service Records
https://www.ngbpmc.ng.mil/Service-Records
Veterans Administration:
How To Report The Death Of A Veteran To VA
https://www.va.gov/resources/how-to-report-the-death-of-a-veteran-to-va
VA Burial Benefits And Memorial Benefits
https://www.va.gov/burials-memorials/
Veterans Burial Allowance And Transportation Benefit
https://www.va.gov/burials-memorials/veterans-burial-allowance/
Honor A Veteran Or Reservist With Memorial Items
https://www.va.gov/burials-memorials/memorial-items/
VA National Cemetery Administration
https://www.cem.va.gov/
Arlington National Cemetery
https://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/
Norwich University Cemetery
https://alumni.norwich.edu/alumni/resources/nu-cemetery-association
Military One Source Casualty Assistance
https://www.militaryonesource.mil/leaders-service-providers/sp-l-casualty-assistance/
US Army Casualty Assistance
https://www.hrc.army.mil/content/Casualty%20Assistance%20Centers%20Locator
USMC Casualty Assistance
https://www.hqmc.marines.mil/Agencies/Casualty-MFPC/
US Navy Casualty Assistance
https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/Support-Services/Casualty/Regional-Casualty-Contacts/
Continue to the bottom of the page to read more about the process for a Navy service member.
US Air Force Casualty Assistance
https://www.afpc.af.mil/Casualty-Matters/Casualty-Operations/
Military and Family Readiness Center (M&FRC)
https://myairforcebenefits.us.af.mil/Benefit-Library/Federal-Benefits/Military-and-Family-Readiness-Center-(MandFRC)
Covering:
Regular Air Force: Active Duty
Regular Air Force: Retired
Air National Guard: Federal Active Duty
Air National Guard: State Active Duty
Air National Guard: Drilling
Air National Guard: Retired
Air Force Reserve: Active Duty
Air Force Reserve: Drilling
Air Force Reserve: Retired
US Coast Guard
https://www.dcms.uscg.mil/PSD/fs/Casualty-Matters/
Defense Finance And Accounting Service
https://www.dfas.mil/RetiredMilitary/survivors/
American Legion Resources
https://www.legion.org/member-services/veterans-services/veterans-benefits/resources
The following is additional information people may find helpful. This information is related to the passing of a Navy service member in January 2026 and the information is related to the White River Junction VA in Vermont, but the information and “steps to take” described in the process below are most likely what most people will go through. This is not a full process or guarantee on steps, but an introduction guide to get people started with if they find themselves in this situation. The information below is a “sanitized” communication from one individual providing the initial steps, to a person starting this bereavement process.
For Navy benefits, go to this link:
https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/Support-Services/Casualty/Regional-Casualty-Contacts/
And Mid-Atlantic Region
Contact Numbers:
COMM: 757-322-2817/2821
DSN: 262-2817
Toll Free: 1-866-203-7791
Alternate: 1-800-856-7091
CACO Fax: 757-445-2115 DSN: 565-2115
Funeral Honors Fax: 757-444-2767
At the time of writing this information … once you call them, they will assign a “case officer” to assist you through the process of arranging for receiving benefits and funeral services.
For VA benefits, the National number appears to be the only access, at least that we’ve been able to find. That number is 800-827-1000. At this number, choose “Option 5” on the menu for Death Benefits.
The service member’s benefits (life insurance, etc.) may depend upon their disability rating, but that will all be in their records and hopefully that will help you sort through this.
We have been told that a death certificate is required in order to actually process any of the benefits.
As soon as practical after passing, you need to verbally “report death of veteran” to BOTH local VA and at National. No death certificate needed at this point. It is emphasized how important this is – the current benefits must be stopped so the government doesn’t have to reclaim benefits.
White River Jct VA
Specific for the White River Jct VA but also helpful to other going through this process.
After 3:30 and before 8:00AM call 802-295-9363. This is the main switchboard. Dial “0” zero for the 24 hr operator and you will get a live person. You will give the decested name and verify DOB.
Between 8:00-3:30, call 802-296-5110 and this is the direct line to the person who you need to speak with.
For National, call the same # cited before (800-827-1000) , Option 5 for both “report death” and benefits.
At this prompt, you will also be able to schedule a Visitor Engagement Reporting Application (VERA) appointment with the local VA.
Prior to the appointment date, the VA will mail a packet (presumably to the deceased’s address) , that you would bring to the VA VERA appointment. They will explain everything and help you fill it out for receiving the death benefits.
The Benefits Office is in the “Patriot Building”. When you go in the front door (purple arrow) of this building the Benefits Office is to the left.
With regards to Norwich University Cemetery, the contact there is Jamie Comolli. She is wonderful and so good at what she does. From Jamie Comolli – I work with the individual(s) from purchase all the way to planning their burial. I would suggest they start on our website to view the information, and I can connect with them next week when I return from my Board meeting if you want to give them my number?
https://alumni.norwich.edu/alumni/resources/nu-cemetery-association