Tennessee launches online pre-registration form for pre-approval for burial in a state veterans cemetery

NASHVILLE - State officials today announced what they call a new "innovative" online pre-registration form allowing veterans and their families to get pre-approval for burial in one of Tennessee's veterans cemeteries.

"Our goal is to do all we can to assist and support veterans and their families," Gov. Bill Haslam said in a news release. "This online resource is a proactive and efficient way to offer them assistance before they face a crisis situation when delays can add to the trauma of loss."

According to Veterans Affairs Commissioner Many-Bears Grinder's office, funeral directors traditionally contact the nearest state veterans cemetery when they receive a request to bury the remains of a veteran or dependent who previously expressed interest in burial at one of the four locations.

Officials say in many cases, family members are unable to locate the veteran's discharge papers needed to determine eligibility. The process to request and receive the appropriate documents and determine eligibility can take several days, even weeks.

Now, veterans and their families can complete the online form, which is submitted securely to their preferred state veterans cemetery, and then mail their discharge papers to complete the application process.

For more information regarding pre-registration for burial at the State Veterans Cemeteries visit http://www.tn.gov/veteran/burial_elg.shtml.

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