Sharing an email about revising the rules that define who is eligible to order government headstones and markers for veterans. A change is needed so those other than next of kin are able to submit an order for government headstones for veterans.
Too many deceased veterans across America are buried in unmarked graves.
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The deadline is December 1, 2014 to make your comments.
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To comment click HERE.
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"Thank you for your email regarding “Marking the graves of America’s
veterans” and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) regulatory
definition of “applicant” for purposes of applying for a
Government-furnished headstone or marker.
The National Cemetery Administration (NCA) of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) proposes to amend its regulations regarding applications for headstones or markers. VA is proposing to amend the definition of “applicant,” set forth in 38 CFR 38.632, as it pertains to individuals requesting VA headstones or markers. In 2009, VA implemented the existing definition of applicant to include the decedent’s next of kin (NOK), a person authorized in writing by NOK, or a personal representative authorized in writing by the decedent. An individual who met the definition was authorized to apply for a Government-furnished headstone or marker, or a new emblem of belief for inscription on a Government-furnished headstone or marker.
Since 2009, VA has received a number of requests from individuals who did not meet the current definition of applicant for headstones or markers. VA has acknowledged concerns that the current regulatory definition of applicant was too restrictive and resulted in identified Veteran gravesites going unmarked. VA shares the goal to ensure appropriate recognition of Veterans who served the United States and proposes to revise the definition of applicant to ease the restrictive aspects of the definition and allow more individuals to apply for headstones or markers, including memorial headstones or markers.
On October 1, 2014, the National Cemetery Administration (NCA) of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) published in the Federal Register, a proposed rule to amend the existing definition of eligible applicants by expanding the types of individuals who may request headstones or markers on behalf of decedents.
VA is seeking input from Veterans, family members and other stakeholders regarding a proposed change to its definition of who may apply for a headstone or marker.
Those wishing to review and comment on the proposed changes are encouraged to do so by searching for “National Cemetery Administration” or “2900-AO95” at www.regulations.gov. Comments must be received on or before December 1, 2014.
Thank you for your interest in the Government Headstone and Marker Program."
Sincerely,
National Cemetery Administration
Department of Veterans Affairs
The National Cemetery Administration (NCA) of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) proposes to amend its regulations regarding applications for headstones or markers. VA is proposing to amend the definition of “applicant,” set forth in 38 CFR 38.632, as it pertains to individuals requesting VA headstones or markers. In 2009, VA implemented the existing definition of applicant to include the decedent’s next of kin (NOK), a person authorized in writing by NOK, or a personal representative authorized in writing by the decedent. An individual who met the definition was authorized to apply for a Government-furnished headstone or marker, or a new emblem of belief for inscription on a Government-furnished headstone or marker.
Since 2009, VA has received a number of requests from individuals who did not meet the current definition of applicant for headstones or markers. VA has acknowledged concerns that the current regulatory definition of applicant was too restrictive and resulted in identified Veteran gravesites going unmarked. VA shares the goal to ensure appropriate recognition of Veterans who served the United States and proposes to revise the definition of applicant to ease the restrictive aspects of the definition and allow more individuals to apply for headstones or markers, including memorial headstones or markers.
On October 1, 2014, the National Cemetery Administration (NCA) of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) published in the Federal Register, a proposed rule to amend the existing definition of eligible applicants by expanding the types of individuals who may request headstones or markers on behalf of decedents.
VA is seeking input from Veterans, family members and other stakeholders regarding a proposed change to its definition of who may apply for a headstone or marker.
Those wishing to review and comment on the proposed changes are encouraged to do so by searching for “National Cemetery Administration” or “2900-AO95” at www.regulations.gov. Comments must be received on or before December 1, 2014.
Thank you for your interest in the Government Headstone and Marker Program."
Sincerely,
National Cemetery Administration
Department of Veterans Affairs
