Disparities in Veteran Death Benefits
Abstract
Under the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA), the National Cemetery Administration (NCA) works to ensure that America’s veterans are properly honored through a series of benefits provided to the veteran’s family upon his or her death. While the NCA is one of the highest rated government agencies in terms of customer satisfaction, many of the benefits are underfunded, outdated and have been allowed to diminish over time, creating disparities between those who received the benefits 30 years ago and those who receive them today. In addition to these benefits, the State Cemetery Grants Program, a program run by the NCA to assist states with establishing veteran cemeteries, has also created a number of inconsistencies by allowing residency requirements and fees. However, changes to benefit policy by the NCA and lawmakers can correct these disparities, closing the gap in veterans’ death benefits.Authors who publish with this journal agree to the following terms:
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