FR 2020-29302

The document from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announces an update to the monetary allowance for qualified burials in VA national cemeteries in 2021. This allowance assists families in purchasing an outer burial receptacle, often referred to as a graveliner, and is set at $372.00. This figure is derived by deducting administrative costs from the average cost of government-provided graveliners in the fiscal year 2020. The notice, effective from January 1, 2021, provides essential information regarding these costs to interested parties.

General Summary

The document informs readers about an updated financial support measure by the VA intended to ease the financial burden on families arranging burials in national cemeteries. This update covers the cost associated with purchasing a burial container like a graveliner, which is required for maintaining the integrity of grave sites. Setting the allowance at $372.00, the VA calculated this figure by considering past costs and deducting administrative expenses. The agency's initiative is part of ensuring veterans receive dignified recognition in death, respecting the sacrifices made during their lives.

Significant Issues or Concerns

Despite the document's clarity on the amount and its calculation method, it raises several concerns that remain unaddressed:

1. Lack of Clarity on Eligibility: The document does not clarify the process or criteria for "qualifying interments." Without explicit instructions, families and funeral service providers might face ambiguity regarding eligibility for the allowance.

2. Cost Variability Across Cemeteries: There is no mention of whether the cost variations specific to different VA national cemeteries have been considered. This could result in unequal compensation relative to local market prices.

3. Administrative Cost Transparency: The administrative cost, noted as $9.00 per allowance, lacks detailed breakdown or justification. This absence makes it challenging to judge its fairness or excess.

4. Complex Financial Details: For individuals unfamiliar with government budgeting, the details of fiscal versus calendar years could be perplexing. Simplified explanations or additional information might be necessary for clearer understanding.

5. Future Price Changes: The document does not provide insight on how fluctuations in market prices might impact future adjustments of the allowance, nor does it clarify how frequently these reassessments will occur.

Impact on the Public

Broadly, the update has potential to alleviate some financial stress for families of veterans, ensuring a proper and dignified burial in national cemeteries. By providing clear guidelines and financial support, the VA acknowledges the nation's debt to its servicemen and women. However, the outlined concerns, particularly around eligibility and cost transparency, could obscure these benefits for some.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

For families of veterans, the monetary allowance represents a valuable resource during a challenging time, potentially reducing burial costs and negating the need for difficult financial decisions. Funeral service providers might find navigating the system uneconomical if clarity on eligibility and cost variability is insufficient. Lastly, administrative staff tasked with processing the allowances will need to ensure that procedures accommodate these outlined concerns to maintain trust and efficiency in the system.

In summary, while the VA's notice is a step toward supporting veteran families financially during burials, there remain areas where further clarity and detailed information could significantly enhance its effectiveness and fairness.

In this Federal Register document, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) outlines the monetary allowance provided for the private purchase of an outer burial receptacle, commonly known as a graveliner, for eligible interments at a VA national cemetery. This allowance is intended to help cover the cost for those who qualify and choose to use a privately purchased graveliner instead of a government-furnished one.

Summary of Financial Allocations

The primary financial figures presented in the document are as follows:

• The average cost of a government-furnished graveliner was determined to be $381.00 for the fiscal year 2020.
• An administrative cost of $9.00 is subtracted to cover processing and payment expenses associated with the allowance.
• Thus, the final allowance amount payable for qualifying interments in the calendar year 2021 is $372.00.

This financial allocation reflects the Department's effort to offer a benefit that aligns closely with the actual costs incurred by the government for similar services while accounting for its own administrative expenses.

Relation to Identified Issues

The document's financial specifics, while detailed, do raise several issues:

1. Qualifying Interments: The document does not provide clarity on what constitutes a "qualifying interment." Without explicit criteria, it may be challenging for beneficiaries to understand if they are eligible for the $372.00 allowance. Transparency in these criteria could mitigate confusion and ensure eligible recipients receive the intended financial support.

2. Calculation Discrepancies: There is no mention of whether the average cost of $381.00 incorporates potential cost variances across different VA national cemeteries. This could lead to discrepancies in the level of compensation provided, as graveliner costs might differ regionally.

3. Administrative Cost Justification: The document lists a $9.00 administrative cost but does not break down how this figure was derived or whether it is a fair representation of necessary expenses. A detailed explanation would help validate this deduction from the allowance.

4. Complexity of Calculations: By involving both fiscal year 2020 costs and calendar year 2021 allowances, the financial calculations may seem complex. For those unfamiliar with governmental budgeting cycles, this could lead to misunderstandings about when and how the allowance amount is determined and applied.

5. Market Price Changes: Finally, there is no mention of how changes in the graveliner market prices will impact the allowance in upcoming years or the frequency of reassessment for these costs. This could affect beneficiaries' expectations for future allowances, particularly if graveliner prices increase significantly.

In summary, while the document provides a precise financial framework for the described allowance, further elucidation is needed to address the outlined issues for the benefit of affected veterans and their families.