We’re here anytime, day or night - 24/7
If you are a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one, connect with our caring, qualified responders for confidential help. Many of them are Veterans themselves.
Get more resources at VeteransCrisisLine.net.
VA takes special care to pay lasting tribute to the memory of Veterans who served and sacrificed and that of their families. VA meticulously maintains 155 VA national cemeteries in 44 states and Puerto Rico and is working to increase access to accommodate Veterans and eligible family members close to home. Currently, more than 94 percent of Veterans have a burial option in an open VA, state, or tribal veterans cemetery located within 75 miles of their home. Note that most, if not all, these benefits may be provided for Veterans interred in a State, Territorial, or Tribal Veterans cemetery. Check with the cemetery to ensure coverage. Some benefits are also available for Veterans who choose burial in a private cemetery. Veterans with a qualifying discharge are entitled to VA burial benefits. Spouses and dependent children are eligible, too, even if they predecease the Veteran.
The following burial benefits may be provided:
Burial in a VA national cemetery
- Opening and closing of the grave for burial of casketed or cremated remains or placement of cremated remains in an above-ground vault, also called a columbarium
- A government-furnished grave liner Perpetual care of the gravesite
- A headstone or marker with an inscription
- A burial flag
- A Presidential Memorial Certificate
- A dedicated memorial page on the Veterans Legacy Memorial site where friends and family can upload photos and remembrances
Burial in a private cemetery
- A government headstone, marker, or medallion
- A burial flag
- A Presidential Memorial Certificate
- Some survivors may also be entitled to VA burial allowances as partial reimbursement for the costs of funerals and burials for eligible Veterans
Please note that gravesites in a VA national cemetery cannot be reserved in advance. To prepare for a private cemetery burial, VA suggests families review these questions and complete the required forms in advance.
VA Requirements
- Discharge papers to establish your eligibility for burial services.
VA Application Process
Burial in a VA national cemetery
- To determine eligibility before the time of need:
- Submit VA Form 40-10007 along with a copy of the DD-214 (do not send originals) or supporting documentation of military service if readily available by:
- Toll-free fax at 1-855-840-8299
- Mail to:
National Cemetery Scheduling Office
P.O. Box 510543
St. Louis, MO 63151
- VA will review pre-need burial applications and provide written notice of a determination of eligibility.
- VA will store the pre-need application, supporting documentation, and the decision letter to expedite burial arrangements at the time of need.
- Submit VA Form 40-10007 along with a copy of the DD-214 (do not send originals) or supporting documentation of military service if readily available by:
- To request burial at the time of need when eligibility has been determined:
- At the time of need, family members should contact the National Cemetery Scheduling Office at 1-800-535-1117.
- VA will locate your pre-need decision letter and validate the determination.
- VA will verify pre-need decisions in accordance with the laws in effect at that time.
- To establish eligibility at the time of need:
- At the time of need, family members should scan and email the DD-214 form or other discharge papers, if readily available, to NCA.Scheduling@va.gov or fax them to 1-866-900-6417 and follow up with a phone call to 1-800-535-1117.
- Make arrangements with a funeral home, the National Cemetery Scheduling Office, or directly with a VA national cemetery.
- Although burial plots cannot be reserved, you can plan ahead by safeguarding military discharge papers and discussing end-of-life planning with loved ones.
- To determine eligibility before the time of need:
Burial in a private cemetery
- To receive a headstone, marker, or medallion:
- Visit the National Cemetery Administration headstones, markers, and medallions page to download and fill out VA form 40-1330.
- Return your completed form with a copy of the Veteran’s DD-214 (do not send originals) to:
Memorial Programs Service (41B)
Department of Veterans Affairs
5109 Russell Road
Quantico, VA 22134-3903 - Or fax claims and supporting documents to 1-800-455-7143. If you are submitting more than one claim, fax each claim package (claim and supporting documents) in individual fax transmissions.
- To receive a burial flag:
- Visit the National Cemetery Administration Burial Flags page to download and fill out VA Form 27-2008.
- Take the completed form to the funeral director, a VA benefits office or a U.S. Post Office flag issuing station.
- To receive a Presidential Memorial Certificate (PMC):
- Visit the National Cemetery Administration Presidential Memorial Certificates page to download and fill out VA Form 40-0247.
- Return your completed form with a copy of the Veteran’s DD-214 (do not send originals) to:
Presidential Memorial Certificates (41B3)
National Cemetery Administration
5109 Russell Road
Quantico, VA 22134-3903Or fax them to 1-800-455-7143.
- Alternatively, order a PMC using the toll-free fax line.
- To apply for a VA Burial Allowance:
- Download and fill out VA Form 21-530.
- Mail your completed form with a copy of the Veteran’s DD-214 (do not send originals), death certificate, paid receipts, and other applicable documentation to the VBA regional office located in your state. You can find a benefits office on the Facility Locator Page.
- You can also apply online.
- To receive a headstone, marker, or medallion:
You can learn more about VA Burial Allowances and eligibility on this special compensation overview page.