Noteboom The Law Firm

VA Cemetery in Montana May Become Next National Veterans Cemetery

Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Sec. Eric Shinseki is looking into developing a new National Veterans Cemetery. The new site could very well be Yellowstone County Veterans Cemetery, which would serve as the national cemetery for Montana and the surrounding areas.

Sen. Shinseki is the only person that can grant a cemetery such a title. During his visit to Montana, Sen. Shinseki stated Sen. Tester asked him to grant a national cemetery designation thereby allowing buried soldiers in that part of the country to share in the respect and dignity with other soldiers buried in National Veterans Cemeteries.

The Yellowstone County Veterans Cemetery is the only locally-funded veterans cemetery in the country. The burial-ground spans 8-acres and cost $1.5 million to build. The cemetery was built so as to match national standards, so not much would be required should Sec. Shinseki grant the cemetery national veterans status.

Should Sec. Shinseki make it a National Veterans Cemetery, the VA would become responsible for the approximate $80,000 in annual costs, which includes maintenance and equipment. The Yellowstone County Cemetery, however, would still be responsible for paying off the original costs of building the cemetery.

Being buried in a National Cemetery means reduced hardships for families. Although there are still costs incurred, they are reduced and the VA perpetually tends to the grave site, which includes providing headstones and markers.

If you are a disabled veteran who has been denied disability compensation or have not yet applied for benefits from the VA, a South Florida disability attorney from LaVan & Neidenberg is ready to help. To learn if you are entitled to certain programs and benefits contact our veterans disability rights firm today - 1-888-234-5758.