Source: US Dept. of Veteran Affairs

The loss of a loved one is a difficult experience.

The VA has established a streamlined process for families, executors and legal representatives to follow to notify VA about the death of a Veteran.

Why should I notify the VA about the death of a Veteran?

• Notifying VA limits the change for others to falsely use the Veteran’s identity
• By updating the Veteran’s information, you will reduce the likelihood of VA continuing to send correspondence about VA benefits, services, and bills.
• You are helping the VA maintain up-to-date records, which will enhance the agency’s efforts to better distribute services to the Veteran community.

Steps for notifying the VA

1.  Step one is for the next-of-kin and/or legally authorized representative under State law
   to retrieve an official copy of the Veteran’s death certificate.
2. Step two is to submit the death certificate to VA by:
   a. hand delivering or mailing a copy of the death certificate to the Office of Decedent
   Affairs at the VA medical facility where the Veteran was receiving healthcare
   benefits, or
   b. contacting the VA Health Resource Center at 1-877-222-VETS (8387) for additional
   instructions.