What document is required by the Department of Veterans Affairs to obtain burial benefits?

To obtain burial benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs, the separation or discharge form is essential. This document provides official proof of a veteran's military service, indicating the character of their discharge (honorable or otherwise) which is a critical factor in determining eligibility for benefits. The separation or discharge form helps the Department of Veterans Affairs establish that the individual in question is indeed a veteran and verify the specifics of their service, thus justifying the granting of burial benefits.

Other documents, such as a birth certificate or social security form, do not specifically confirm eligibility for veterans' benefits, and while a selective service card might be relevant for certain types of federal benefits, it does not serve the same purpose as the separation or discharge form in this context. Therefore, the separation or discharge form stands out as the necessary documentation for accessing burial benefits.