Information is used to apply for a government provided headstone/marker for unmarked graves of eligible veterans and dependents.
US Code:
38 USC Section 2306
Name of Law: Headstones, markers, and burial receptacles
PL:
Pub.L. 110 - 157 201
Name of Law: . James Allen Veteran Vision Equity Act of 2007
US Code:
38 USC Section 2411
Name of Law: The Dignified Burial and Other Veterans' Benefits Improvement Act of 2012
PL:
Pub.L. 107 - 103 501 and 502
Name of Law: Government Markers for Marked Graves at Private Cemeteries
PL: Pub.L. 110 - 157 201 Name of Law: Blinded Veterans Paired Organs Act of 2007
It appears that less government-furnished headstones and markers were provided last fiscal year. The number of government-furnished headstones and markers requested yearly varies from year to year. The VA does not have a way of predicting exactly how many veterans' families will apply for this benefit.
The Dignified Burial and Other Veterans' Benefits Improvement Act of 2012, enacted on January 10, 2013 amends Title 38 U.S.C. section 2411, to prohibit VA from providing interment or memorialization benefits to Tier III sex-offenders who were sentenced to a minimum of life imprisonment and whose conviction is final. Title 38 U.S.C Section 2411 also prohibits VA from providing interment or memorialization benefits to individuals who committed a State of Federal Capital Crime.
As a result of this law, we are now required to ask the applicant to certify that "to the best of your knowledge, that the decedent has never committed a serious crime, such as murder or other offense that could have resulted in imprisonment for life, has never been convicted of a serious crime, and has never been convicted of a sexual offense for which he or she was sentenced to a minimum of life imprisonment. This is considered a question of sensitive nature.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.
Form VA 40-1330M Claim for Standard Government Headstone or Marker for Installation in Private or State Veterans Cemetery
2900-0222 Justification July 2013 (corrected) OIRA 1-30-14 (CR2.6.14).doc
Claim for Standard Government Headstone or Marker for Installation in Private or State Veterans Cemetery