3.1610—Burial in national cemeteries; burial of unclaimed bodies.
The statutory burial allowance and permissible transportation charges as provided in §§ 3.1600 through 3.1611 are also payable under the following conditions:
(a)
Where burial of a deceased veteran is in a national cemetery, provided that burial in a national cemetery is desired by the person or persons entitled to the custody of the remains for interment and permission for burial has been received from the officers having jurisdiction over burials in national cemeteries; or
(b)
Where the body of a deceased veteran is unclaimed by relatives or friends (see § 3.1603 ), the Director of the regional office in the area in which the veteran died will immediately complete arrangements for burial in a national cemetery or, at his or her option, in a cemetery or cemetery section meeting the requirements of § 3.1604(d)(1)(ii) -(iv), provided that the total amount payable for burial and transportation expenses (including the plot allowance, if entitlement is established) does not exceed the total amount payable had burial been in a national cemetery.