What should happen if human remains are identified as being of a veteran?

When human remains are identified as belonging to a veteran, the appropriate action is to transfer control to the Department of Veterans Affairs. This is because veterans have specific rights and entitlements regarding their final disposition that are governed by laws and regulations related to military service. The Department of Veterans Affairs has established processes and protocols for the handling, identification, burial, and memorialization of veterans to ensure that they receive the honors and benefits that they are entitled to.

The transfer of control allows the Department to facilitate the necessary arrangements for interring the remains, which may include burial in a national cemetery where veterans are eligible for specific honors. This reflects the respect and recognition afforded to veterans for their service.

Other options, such as cremating the remains immediately, burying them in a family plot, or requiring permission for interment in a state cemetery, do not reflect the legal framework and protocols designed to honor the remains of veterans appropriately. These actions would not align with the policies established by the Department of Veterans Affairs and could lead to oversight of the veterans' benefits and honors associated with their service.