Eligibility criteria for burial in state veterans' cemeteries will be the same as that for burial in national cemeteries solely for the burial of veterans and eligible dependents as defined by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
The U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs, handbook of Federal Benefits for Veterans and Dependents states, "Veterans, service members, and dependents are eligible for burial in a VA national cemetery".
- Any wartime or peacetime veteran who entered service as an enlisted person before September 7, 1980, or as an officer who entered service before October 17, 1981 or a person whose first tour of duty began on or after the previously mentioned dates may be eligible if he or she completed a continuous period of 24 months or the full period for which called to active duty whichever is shorter; and:
- Any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who dies on active duty.
- An eligible veteran must have been discharged or separated from active duty under conditions other that dishonorable and have completed the required period of service.
- Persons entitled to retired pay as a result of 20 years creditable service with the National Guard or Reserves are also eligible for burial in Kansas Veterans’ Cemeteries.
- A U. S. citizen who served in the armed forces of a government allied with the United States may also be eligible for burial in a Kansas Veterans Cemetery.
- Any veteran convicted of a federal or state capital crime is not eligible for burial in a VA National Cemetery, Arlington National Cemetery, or any of Kansas Veterans’ Cemeteries.
- The legal spouse (or widow or widower) and an unmarried minor child who is dependent upon the qualified veteran at time of death are eligible for burial in a Kansas Veterans’ Cemetery. Unmarried adult children are also eligible for burial if they become permanently incapable of self-support because of physical or mental disability before the age of 21.
Documentary evidence is required to provide proof of military service, marriage, and children, as well as dependent disability. It is the responsibility of the veteran, his survivors, or legal representative to furnish any evidence necessary to establish eligibility for burial in a Kansas Veterans’ Cemetery.
- Certified copy of discharge or DD 214
- Marriage Certificate
- Birth certificates or Adoption Papers for children under 21
In cases of an unmarried adult child, if the dependent is mentally or physically incapable of self-support, and such condition existed before age 21, the following statements are required:
- Statement from the veteran that the dependent child has never married and is totally dependent upon the veteran for support.
- Statement from a physician giving nature and duration of illness or disability.
A determination will be made by the Cemetery Manager to approve/disapprove interment or to request more information.
Unmarried dependents, 21 years old but not over 23 years old may not fit the above category. Such a dependent may be eligible if he or she never married and was attending an approved educational institution. In such a situation, the veteran must provide a statement that the dependent never married. A phone call to the educational institution will be made to verify enrollment.