2019 US Virgin Islands Code
Title 3 - Executive
Chapter 1 - Governor
§ 8b. Burial benefits for veterans

(a) Upon the death of a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces, the mortuary service which prepares the body for burial or interment or renders other services connected with the death, or any other person who incurs expenses for the above services on behalf of the veteran shall receive reimbursement for actual expenses of $5,000 from the Government of the Virgin Islands.

(b) The applicant shall submit a certified copy of the death certificate and a receipt for services performed. Upon request the applicant shall also furnish proof of the deceased's status as an honorably discharged veteran. In the case of a non-service connected death, claims must be filed within two years after permanent burial or cremation.

(c) The benefits provided by subsection (a) of this section shall be provided for the burial of only those veterans who were domiciliaries of the Virgin Islands at the time of death, and who entered the armed services in the Virgin Islands or who were domiciliaries of the Virgin Islands but entered the armed services in another jurisdiction while temporarily residing in that jurisdiction. Burial in all Virgin Islands cemeteries, with spaces set aside for veterans, shall be made available to all members of the Armed Forces and veterans discharged under conditions other than dishonorable who completed the required periods of service, as well as their spouses, minor children, and under certain conditions, unmarried adult children. Also eligible are members of the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine and Coast Guard Reserves and the Army and Air Force National Guard with 20 years of qualifying service or who die while on active duty for training, active duty, or territorial active duty, as well as members of the Reserve Officer Training Corps of the Army, Navy or Air Force who die on active duty for training. If a surviving spouse of an eligible veteran marries a nonveteran, and the remarriage is terminated by death of or divorce from the nonveteran, the spouse is eligible for burial in the designated burial site set aside for veterans. Only veterans who were bona fide residents of the Virgin Islands at the time they were either drafted or enlisted, whether residing in the Territory or attending college, are eligible for burial in the burial site set aside for veterans.

(d) There is hereby authorized to be appropriated to the Office of Veterans' Affairs in the Office of the Governor such sums as may be necessary to fulfill the purposes of this program, such sums to remain available until expended.