Veterans discharged from active duty under conditions other than dishonorable, service members who die while on active duty, and their spouses and dependent children may be eligible for VA burial and memorial benefits. Notably, a Veteran does not have to pass away before their spouse or dependent child for them to be eligible.
With certain exceptions, enlisted personnel whose active duty began after Sept. 7, 1980, and officers after Oct. 16, 1981, must serve a minimum of 24 consecutive months or the full period of active duty to qualify. Active duty for training alone does not confer eligibility. However, reservists and National Guard members, along with their families, are eligible if they were entitled to retired pay at the time of death or would have been upon reaching the requisite age.
What does the VA cover for burial benefits?
The VA’s National Cemetery Scheduling Office or local national cemetery directors verify burial eligibility. A copy of the Veteran’s discharge document detailing the period(s) of active duty and character of discharge typically suffices. Sometimes, a copy of the deceased’s death certificate and proof of relationship to the Veteran may be required.
Veterans and other claimants for VA burial benefits can appeal VA decisions regarding eligibility for national cemetery burial or other memorial benefits.
For further questions about VA burial and memorial benefits, contact the nearest national cemetery at 1-800-827-1000 or visit www.cem.va.gov.
- Burial in VA National Cemeteries
Eligible Veterans, their spouses, and dependents can be buried in a VA national cemetery at no cost. This includes the gravesite, grave liner, opening and closing of the grave, a headstone or marker, and perpetual care. Veterans also receive a burial flag and military funeral honors. Family members can request Presidential Memorial Certificates.
VA operates 131 national cemeteries, with varying options for casketed and cremated remains. Contact the specific cemetery or visit www.cem.va.gov for availability.
Interment arrangements are made through the National Cemetery Scheduling Office. VA typically does not conduct burials on weekends, and gravesites cannot be reserved, except under previous reservation programs.
- Private cemeteries
For a headstone or marker in a private cemetery, submit VA Form 40-1330 and a copy of the Veteran’s discharge document to the Memorial Programs Service. Ensure the cemetery will accept the government-furnished headstone or marker before ordering.
- Burial flags
VA provides a U.S. burial flag to memorialize:
– Veterans who served during wartime or after Jan. 31, 1955.
– Veterans entitled to retired pay for Reserve or National Guard service.
– Members or former members of the Selected Reserve who met specific conditions.
- Reimbursement of burial expenses
VA pays up to $2,000 for burial expenses if the Veteran’s death was service-connected. In some cases, VA covers transportation costs to the nearest national cemetery with available gravesites.
- Military funeral honors
The Department of Defense provides military funeral honors upon request, including folding and presenting the U.S. flag and playing “Taps.” Funeral directors should coordinate honors, with assistance available from VA for burials at national cemeteries.