Who is eligible for burial in a national cemetery?

Eligibility for burial in a VA national cemetery includes: veterans and service members who died on active duty; retired military personnel; veterans with any discharge other than dishonorable; members of Reserve and National Guard with 20+ years of service; and eligible spouses and dependent children. Some National Guard and Reserve members may qualify based on specific service conditions. Visit va.gov or call 1-800-827-1000 to verify eligibility.

How much do VA burial benefits cover?

VA provides no-cost burial in national cemeteries, including the gravesite, opening/closing of grave, perpetual care, headstone, grave liner, and setting of the marker. For veterans buried in private cemeteries, VA provides a free headstone or marker. Burial allowances for service-connected deaths are up to $2,000, and for non-service-connected deaths of veterans receiving VA pension, up to $948 for burial and $948 for plot. Transportation allowances may also apply.

What is the difference between national and state veterans cemeteries?

National cemeteries are operated by the VA's National Cemetery Administration (NCA) and follow uniform standards nationwide. State veterans cemeteries are operated by individual states with VA grants but may have different eligibility requirements, often including state residency. Both provide similar benefits including free burial and markers. Some states offer expanded eligibility for spouses and dependents. Check your state's veterans affairs office for specific policies.

Can my spouse be buried with me in a national cemetery?

Yes, eligible spouses and dependent children can be buried in the same gravesite as the veteran. The spouse's name and dates will be inscribed on the reverse of the veteran's headstone, or on a combined marker. Surviving spouses and dependents may be buried in a national cemetery even after the veteran, space permitting. Eligibility extends to surviving spouses who remarried after age 57.

How do I get a military funeral with honors?

Military funeral honors are provided at no cost to eligible veterans. The Department of Defense requires at minimum two uniformed service members to fold and present the flag and play Taps. Additional honors like a rifle salute and full honor guard are based on availability. Request honors through your funeral director, who coordinates with local military units or veteran service organizations. Active duty personnel may receive full military honors.

What emblems of belief are available for headstones?

VA provides over 70 emblems of belief that can be engraved on government headstones and markers. These include major religious symbols (Christian cross, Star of David, Islamic crescent, etc.), symbols for atheists and humanists, and various denominational emblems. If a deceased veteran's emblem is not available, families can apply to add a new emblem. The emblem request is made on the headstone application form.

Can veterans be cremated and still receive full benefits?

Yes, cremated remains are eligible for all the same burial benefits as casketed remains. Cremated remains can be buried in a national cemetery plot, placed in a columbarium niche, or scattered in designated areas at some national cemeteries. VA provides appropriately-sized markers for cremated remains. Families choosing to scatter remains can still receive a memorial marker in a national cemetery.

Is Arlington National Cemetery different from other national cemeteries?

Arlington National Cemetery is operated by the U.S. Army rather than the VA and has more restrictive eligibility requirements due to limited space. Eligibility includes service members who died on active duty, retired military with 20+ years or disability, recipients of major decorations for valor, and former POWs. Some high-ranking officials may also qualify. Arlington maintains waiting lists and may have different scheduling procedures than VA national cemeteries.

How far in advance can I pre-plan burial in a national cemetery?

Veterans can submit VA Form 40-10007 (Pre-Need Eligibility Determination) at any time to confirm eligibility for national cemetery burial. This pre-planning step provides a letter confirming eligibility, which speeds the process at time of need. However, specific gravesite assignments cannot be made in advance - gravesites are assigned at time of need based on availability. Pre-need applications are valid until the veteran's status changes.

What if I was dishonorably discharged?

Veterans with dishonorable discharges are generally not eligible for VA burial benefits. However, those with other-than-honorable (OTH) discharges may request a Character of Discharge review from VA. In some cases, courts martial or administrative separations for homosexuality prior to 2011 may be reconsidered. Veterans should contact VA at 1-800-827-1000 to discuss their specific situation and potential upgrade options.

Pillar Guide

Veterans & National Cemeteries: Complete Guide

A comprehensive resource for understanding VA burial benefits, national and state veterans cemeteries, eligibility requirements, and how to honor America's heroes with the dignity they deserve.

490+ military cemeteries4 million veterans honoredOfficial VA.gov source

The United States honors its military veterans with comprehensive burial benefits administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). These benefits recognize the service and sacrifice of those who served in our nation's armed forces, providing dignified final resting places and meaningful memorialization at no cost to eligible veterans and their families.

Whether you're a veteran planning ahead, a family member making arrangements, or simply want to understand the benefits earned through military service, this guide covers everything you need to know about national cemeteries, burial benefits, eligibility requirements, and the application process.

National Cemetery Administration

The National Cemetery Administration (NCA) is part of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Established in 1862 under President Lincoln, the national cemetery system has grown to honor millions of American veterans.

155

National Cemeteries

Operated by VA's National Cemetery Administration

4+ Million

Veterans Interred

Resting in national cemeteries nationwide

140,000+

Annual Burials

New interments each year

States Covered

Plus Puerto Rico and territories

NCA Mission Statement

"To honor Veterans and their families with final resting places in national shrines and with lasting tributes that commemorate their service and sacrifice to our Nation."

Source: VA.gov National Cemetery Administration

VA Burial Benefits for Veterans

Veterans who served honorably are entitled to a range of burial benefits. These benefits are designed to honor service while easing the financial and logistical burden on families.

Burial in a National Cemetery

Gravesite in any VA national cemetery with available space, opening and closing of the grave, and perpetual care of the gravesite.

No costAll eligible veterans

Government Headstone or Marker

Headstone, marker, or medallion to commemorate the veteran. Available for graves in private cemeteries as well.

No costAll eligible veterans

Burial Flag

United States flag to drape the casket or accompany the urn, presented to the next of kin following the funeral.

No costAll eligible veterans

Military Funeral Honors

At minimum, two uniformed service members to fold and present the flag, and play Taps. May include honor guard and rifle salute.

No costAll eligible veterans

Presidential Memorial Certificate

Engraved paper certificate signed by the current President, honoring the veteran's service.

No costAll eligible veterans

Burial Allowance

Monetary benefit to help offset burial, plot, and transportation costs for service-connected deaths or veterans receiving VA benefits.

Up to $2,000+Service-connected or VA pension recipients

Eligibility Requirements

Not all individuals who served in the military automatically qualify for VA burial benefits. Understanding eligibility is the first step in planning. The VA uses the character of discharge and length of service to determine eligibility.

Veterans

•Discharged or separated under conditions other than dishonorable
•Served on active duty
•Members of Reserve and National Guard who were entitled to retirement pay, or would have been but for age
•Commissioned officers of NOAA and USPHS

Spouses and Dependents

•Spouse or surviving spouse of an eligible veteran
•Minor children of eligible veterans
•Unmarried adult children who became permanently disabled before age 21
•Surviving spouse who remarried a non-veteran after age 57 (for some benefits)

Other Eligible Persons

•Members who died while on active duty, training, or inactive duty training
•Members who died while hospitalized by VA
•U.S. citizens who served in armed forces of U.S. allies during wartime
•Certain Filipino veterans who served during World War II

Ineligible for Benefits

Those with dishonorable discharges, convicted of certain crimes, or discharged for desertion are generally not eligible. However, character of discharge can sometimes be upgraded through VA review. Contact VA at 1-800-827-1000 for guidance.

Headstones, Markers, and Medallions

The VA provides headstones, markers, or medallions at no cost to mark the graves of eligible veterans. These memorials are available for graves in national, state, private, or tribal cemeteries anywhere in the world.

Type	Material	Dimensions	Common Use
Upright Headstone	Marble or Granite	42" high x 13" wide x 4" thick	Standard option for in-ground burial
Flat Marker (Bronze)	Bronze with granite base	24" long x 12" wide	Required by some private cemeteries
Flat Marker (Granite/Marble)	Granite or Marble	24" long x 12" wide x 4" thick	Alternative to bronze for private cemeteries
Niche Marker	Bronze	8.5" long x 5.5" wide	For cremated remains in columbarium
Medallion	Bronze	6.8" diameter (large)	Affixed to existing private headstone

What's Included on a Veteran Headstone?

Mandatory Information

• Full legal name
• Branch of service
• Year of birth and death

Optional Inscriptions

• Full dates of birth/death
• Highest rank attained
• Awards and decorations
• War service (e.g., WWII, Korea)
• Emblem of belief (70+ options)
• Personal epitaph

State Veterans Cemeteries

In addition to national cemeteries, the VA supports state-operated veterans cemeteries through the Veterans Cemetery Grants Program (VCGP). These cemeteries extend burial options to areas not served by national cemeteries.

Federal Grants

VA provides grants to states for establishing, expanding, and improving veterans cemeteries. Grants can cover up to 100% of construction costs.

State Operation

States operate and maintain the cemeteries, following VA standards. Some states offer expanded eligibility including state residency requirements.

Combined Benefits

Veterans buried in state cemeteries can receive the same headstone and burial flag benefits as national cemeteries.

Local Access

State cemeteries provide options in areas without nearby national cemeteries, improving access for rural veterans.

Find National Cemeteries Find State Veterans Cemeteries

How to Apply for Burial Benefits

Applying for VA burial benefits can be done before death (pre-need) or at the time of need. Pre-planning is encouraged to reduce stress on families during difficult times.

Gather Required Documents

Collect DD214 (discharge papers), death certificate, and veteran's service records. Marriage and birth certificates may be needed for dependents.

Contact a National Cemetery

Call the national cemetery of your choice or contact the National Cemetery Scheduling Office at 1-800-535-1117.

Complete Required Forms

Submit VA Form 40-10007 (Application for Pre-Need Eligibility Determination) for pre-planning or at time of need.

Arrange with Funeral Home

Your funeral director can coordinate with the national cemetery for scheduling and military funeral honors.

Request Headstone/Marker

Submit VA Form 40-1330 to request a government-provided headstone, marker, or medallion.

Key Contact Information

National Cemetery Scheduling Office

1-800-535-1117

Available 24/7 for at-need scheduling

VA Benefits Hotline

1-800-827-1000

Eligibility and benefits questions

Online Resources: Visit va.gov/burials-memorials for forms, cemetery locator, and detailed eligibility information.

Military Funeral Honors

Every eligible veteran is entitled to military funeral honors at no cost. The rendering of Military Funeral Honors is a way to show the nation's deep gratitude to those who, in times of war and peace, have faithfully defended our country.

Minimum Honors (Required)

Two-person uniformed detail
Ceremonial folding of the flag
Presentation of flag to next of kin
Playing of Taps (live or recorded)

Full Honors (When Available)

Firing party (rifle salute)
Honor guard/pallbearers
Bugler playing live Taps
Color guard with flags

Requests for military funeral honors are typically coordinated by the funeral home. Families should inform the funeral director that they want military honors, providing the veteran's DD214 or other proof of service. Active duty service members generally receive full military honors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Additional Resources

Official VA Forms

VA Form 40-10007 - Pre-Need Eligibility
VA Form 40-1330 - Headstone/Marker Request
SF-180 - Request Military Records

Download forms at VA.gov

Veteran Service Organizations

American Legion
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
Disabled American Veterans (DAV)

VSOs can assist with claims and paperwork

Survivor Assistance

Casualty Assistance Officers can help surviving families navigate benefits and burial arrangements.

Military OneSource: 1-800-342-9647

Find a Cemetery

Use our database to find national and state veterans cemeteries near you.

Search 6,000+ cemeteries →

Find Veterans Cemeteries Near You

Search our database of national and state veterans cemeteries. Honor those who served with a dignified final resting place.

National Cemeteries State Veterans Cemeteries

About this guide: This veterans burial benefits guide is maintained by the Cemetery Near Me editorial team using information from official VA sources (va.gov). We strive to provide accurate and helpful information for veterans and their families. Always verify current eligibility and benefits directly with the VA. Last updated: December 2025.