Pre-Need Planning for Veterans – one last gift for our loved ones

Why Pre‑Need Planning Matters for Veterans — And How to Do It with a community partner like Lutz Cemetery

For families, end‑of‑life planning is something they intend to get to “one day.” But when loss comes unexpectedly, families are often left searching for documents, making rushed decisions, and trying to navigate the VA burial benefits during a time of grief.  

That’s exactly why the VA created the Pre‑Need Determination of Eligibility program — a simple, proactive step that gives veterans and their families clarity, peace of mind, and one less burden to carry when the time comes. According to the VA, a pre‑need approval confirms in advance whether a veteran or eligible family member can be buried in a VA national cemetery, easing the planning process for loved ones.

Pre‑need planning isn’t just paperwork. It’s an act of love.

Lutz Cemetery can guide veterans and their families through every step of the pre‑need planning process — from understanding VA burial benefits to organizing documents, making informed choices, and ensuring a veteran’s wishes are honored with dignity.

The Importance of Pre‑Need Planning

1. It removes stress from grieving families

When a veteran passes, families must make dozens of decisions quickly. Without pre‑need planning, they may also need to locate DD214s, verify service history, or determine eligibility — all while grieving.
A pre‑need decision letter eliminates that scramble. The VA notes that this letter becomes the official proof of eligibility and should be stored with other important documents.

2. It ensures veterans receive the honors they earned

VA burial benefits are significant and meaningful. Eligible veterans receive:
• A gravesite or columbarium niche
• Opening and closing of the grave
• A government‑provided headstone or marker
• A burial flag
• A Presidential Memorial Certificate
• Perpetual care of the gravesite
These benefits come at no cost to the family, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to honoring service.

3. It helps families plan financially and emotionally

While VA burial benefits cover many costs, families still need to make decisions about funeral services, transportation, and personal preferences. Pre‑need planning gives them time to prepare thoughtfully rather than reactively.

4. It preserves a veteran’s story

Choosing a final resting place — especially in a national cemetery — is a powerful way to ensure a veteran’s legacy is honored for generations.

Who Is Eligible for Pre‑Need Determination?
The VA allows the following individuals to apply:
• Veterans with discharges other than dishonorable
• Active duty service members
• Spouses and surviving spouses
• Minor children
• Certain unmarried adult children with disabilities
Eligibility is confirmed through the pre‑need application process, not assumed.

What Pre‑Need Planning Doesn’t Do

A common misconception is that pre‑need approval “reserves a plot.” It does not.
The VA clarifies that no gravesite is assigned until the time of need, and availability varies by cemetery. The pre‑need letter simply confirms eligibility, not location.

How to Apply for VA Pre‑Need Eligibility (for burial at a National Cemetery):

The process is straightforward and can be completed online, by mail, or by fax.

Step 1: Gather Required Information

The VA recommends having:
• Social Security number
• Date of birth
• Military service history
• Preferred VA national cemetery
• DD214 or separation documents (if available)
If you don’t have the DD214, the VA will attempt to locate it for you.

Step 2: Complete VA Form 40‑10007

This is the official Application for Pre‑Need Determination of Eligibility for Burial in a VA National Cemetery.
You can submit it:
• Online through VA.gov
• By mail to the NCA Intake Center
• By fax to the National Cemetery Scheduling Office

Step 3: Wait for the VA’s Decision Letter

The VA will mail a decision letter confirming eligibility or explaining why the application was not approved. This letter should be kept with important documents and shared with family members.

Step 4: At the Time of Need

If a pre‑need letter exists, the family or funeral director simply contacts the National Cemetery Scheduling Office to request burial. The process is significantly smoother because eligibility is already established.

Prefer to be closer to home than a National Cemetery?

Many veterans and families don’t realize that VA benefits are not automatic and not all‑inclusive. Lutz Cemetery helps by explaining, in plain language, what the VA does and does not provide.

1. Helping Veterans Understand What VA Burial Benefits Actually Cover
Examples include:

• VA headstones, markers, or medallions
• Burial allowances (when eligible)
• Military funeral honors
• Presidential Memorial Certificates
• Survivor benefits and documentation requirements
This prevents families from being surprised by costs or missing out on benefits they’re entitled to.

2. One‑on‑One Guidance With VA Paperwork

This is where Lutz Cemetery shines. Families often struggle with forms, eligibility questions, and locating service records. Lutz Cemetery helps by:
• Assisting with the VA Pre‑Need Determination of Eligibility
• Helping locate or request a DD214 or other service records
• Guiding families through burial allowance applications
• Coordinating with the VA to ensure benefits are properly requested
This local support removes confusion and delays at a time when families are already overwhelmed.

3. Coordinating Military Funeral Honors Locally

Lutz Cemetery helps arrange:
• Flag presentation
• Taps
• Honor guard participation
• Branch‑specific traditions
Families don’t have to figure out who to call — the cemetery handles the logistics.

4. Providing a Local, Dignified Resting Place for Veterans

As one of only two cemeteries in the nation owned and operated by an American Legion Post, Lutz Cemetery offers something unique:
• A historic, veteran‑honoring environment
• A dedicated veterans’ section
• Annual flag placements
• Community remembrance events
This gives families the option of a local burial with military respect, even if they choose not to use a national cemetery.

5. Helping Veterans Compare Local vs. VA National Cemetery Options

Some veterans prefer to be buried close to home rather than in a national cemetery. Lutz Cemetery helps them understand the differences by explaining:
• What the VA covers at a national cemetery
• What costs remain at a local cemetery
• How to pre‑plan to avoid future burdens
This empowers veterans to make informed decisions that fit their family’s needs.

Lutz Cemetery is about community — where service, history, and family are deeply intertwined — pre‑need planning is more than a bureaucratic step. We devote our energy to:
• Honor veterans with dignity
• Support families during their hardest moments
• Strengthen the bond between generations
• Preserve the stories that shaped our hometown
Whether a veteran chooses a VA national cemetery or a historic local cemetery like Lutz Cemetery, pre‑planning ensures their wishes are known and respected.

Pre‑need planning is one of the most meaningful gifts a veteran can give their family. It replaces uncertainty with clarity, stress with peace, and last‑minute decisions with thoughtful preparation.
It says: “When the time comes, I want you to focus on remembering me — not worrying about paperwork.”