Louisa County Veteran Affairs

03/29/2026

VA Headstones & Markers – Who is Eligible?

A Veteran who didn’t receive a dishonorable discharge or a service member who died while on active duty may be eligible for a headstone or marker if they meet these requirements.

At least one of these must be true:
- The Veteran or service member died on or after November 1, 1990, and their grave is currently marked with a privately purchased headstone, or
- The Veteran or service member was buried in an unmarked grave, anywhere in the world

And for Veterans who served as enlisted personnel after September 7, 1980, or as officers after October 16, 1981, at least one of these must also be true:
- The Veteran served for a minimum of 24 months of continuous active duty, or
- The Veteran died while serving on active duty

National Guard members
At least one of these must be true:
- The National Guard member was entitled to retirement pay at their time of death (or would have been entitled if they were over 60 years old), or
- The National Guard member served in a federal status and for the period of time they were called to serve

Reservists
At least one of these must be true:
- The Reservist was entitled to retirement pay at their time of death (or would have been entitled if they were over 60 years old), or
- The Reservist was called to active duty for purposes other than training

Who can apply?
In most cases, you can apply for one of these benefits if you’re representing the deceased Veteran, service member, or family member in any of these relationships or professional roles.
- A family member, or
- A personal representative (someone who officially represents the deceased), or
- A representative of an accredited Veterans Service Organization, or
- An employee of a state or local government whose official responsibilities include serving Veterans, or
- Any person who’s legally responsible for making arrangements for unclaimed remains or for details having to do with the deceased’s interment or memorialization, or
- Any individual representing the deceased, if the Veteran’s service ended before April 6, 1917
You may apply for a memorial headstone or marker if any of these descriptions is true:
- The deceased’s remains haven’t been recovered or identified, or
- The deceased’s remains were buried at sea, or
- The deceased’s remains were donated to science, or
- The deceased’s remains were cremated and scattered

See your County Veterans Affairs Office for more information and to apply for benefits.

05/29/2025

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I just wanted to drop everyone a note with some information.

“Person with disability” license plates / placards
If you are interested in obtaining a “handicapped” placard for the window or license plate you will need to show “a certificate of disabitlity from the US Department of Veterans Affairs”. This letter can be generated from the VA app or VA.GOV.
If you need assistance in downloading this letter or have any questions, please contact my office at 319) 527-6513 or email me at [email protected].

Community Care Program isn’t going anywhere. In fact, it has been improved and expanded.

IowaWORKS isn’t just “the unemployment agency”
This office can help you get advanced degrees and credentials in order to advance your career or change your career path.
Contact the Home Base Iowa Career Planner Zach Nelson 319-753-1671 Ext 30465Zachary.nelson.iwd.iowa.gov

Aid and Attendance or Homebound Allowance
VA Aid and Attendance or Housebound benefits provide monthly payments added to the amount of a monthly VA pension for qualified Veterans and survivors. If you need help with daily activities, or you’re housebound, find out if you qualify., VA SMC(s) is special compensation for veterans who are considered confined to their homes, either due to multiple, severe service-connected disabilities OR by being physically unable to leave. This confinement must be expected to continue throughout the veteran’s lifetime. SMC(s) compensation replaces standard VA monthly disability compensation. Veterans receiving SMC(s) do not receive the regular monthly disability compensation.
https://www.va.gov/pension/aid-attendance-housebound/
If you have any questions, please contact my office at 319) 527-6513 or email me at [email protected].

VA has launched new reforms to support Survivors and Dependents
Automation and streamlined benefits processing. I’ve already seen this in effect with the recent passing of our veterans, instead of the surviving spouse having to apply for certain benefits VA automatically processed the claim for compensation/pension for the widow.
Burial reimbursements/benefits still need to be applied for.
i. Service-connected deaths
VA will pay up to $2,000 toward burial expenses for deaths
ii. Non-service-connected deaths
VA will pay up to $978 toward burial and funeral expenses

VA Burial benefits.
If a veteran wishes to be buried in a VA National Cemetery the following burial benefits may be provided:
i. Opening and closing of the grave or placement of cremated remains in an above ground vault.
ii. A government furnished grave liner
iii. Perpetual care of the gravesite
iv. A headstone of marker with an inscription
v. A burial flag
vi. Presidential Memorial Certificates
vii. A dedicated memorial page on the Veterans Legacy Memorial site where friends and family can upload photos and remembrances
If a veteran wishes to be buried in a private cemetery to following burial benefits may be provided:
i. A government headstone, marker or medallion
ii. A burial flag
iii. Presidential Memorial Certificates
iv. Some survivors may also be entitle to VA burial allowances as partial reimbursement of the cost of funerals and burials of eligible Veterans.
If a veteran wishes to not have a burial:
Commemorative urn or Plaque

05/28/2025

Today!!!

Come on over to the Briggs Center in Wapello.

Lots of resources for those in our community.

Colocated with the Mobile Food Pantry

09/17/2023

Educate yourself on your health and know how the VA works.

08/10/2023

PACT Act backdated benefits deadline extended!
If you have questions, call or text me @ 319-931-0688

The PACT Act is a new law that expands VA health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances. The PACT Act adds to the list of health conditions that we assume (or “presume”) are caused by exposure to these substances. This law helps us provide g...

08/10/2023

PACT Act submissions deadline extended to 8/14/2023

Do you think you have a medical condition causes by exposure to airborne hazardous material? Call me or go online and register https://www.va.gov/resources/the-pact-act-and-your-va-benefits/

https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2023/08/10/important-pact-act-deadline-extended-amid-tech-issues/

The Veterans Affairs extended the deadline for retroactive PACT Act payouts amid online technical difficulties.