deceased persons bank account

My brother died Jan 2, 2013 in Arizona. I am his sister and only next of kin. I paid for his burial expenses and to bring him home to me in TN. I was mailed his debit card and i have his pin. He gave me permission to use it if there was ever a need before he died. He was a disabled vet and left no will. His only asset is 1000.00 in the bank in which he just recieved yesterday (Feb, 1) from his pension. My question is can i withdraw funds from his account? and are the funds he just recieved "his" since he died in January. I notified the VA by email regarding his death three weeks ago so im not sure that those fund are his or if they will want them back. I tried to call the VA, but their system is "updating and to call again later" its a nightmare. Thank you for your help.