National cemetery, headstone, and memorial benefits
Burial allowance when the veteran’s death is service-connected. Set by 38 USC 2307; not indexed annually.
Burial allowance for veterans who were receiving VA care, hospitalized by VA, or had a pending claim at time of death. See VA.gov for the current fiscal-year amount.
Plot or interment allowance when burial is not in a national cemetery. Amount is adjusted yearly per 38 USC 2303.
Eligible veterans can be buried in any of the 155+ VA national cemeteries at no cost. Benefits include the gravesite, opening/closing of the grave, perpetual care, a government headstone or marker, a burial flag, and a Presidential Memorial Certificate.
Veterans with any discharge other than dishonorable. Some active duty members, reservists, and National Guard members also qualify.
The VA provides a headstone, marker, or medallion at no cost to mark the grave of any eligible veteran in any cemetery (national, state, tribal, or private). For veterans buried in a private cemetery, the VA will ship the headstone or marker to the cemetery.
Any veteran discharged under conditions other than dishonorable. Available for graves in any cemetery worldwide.
A United States flag is provided at no cost to drape the casket or accompany the urn of a deceased veteran. After the funeral, the flag is given to the next of kin or close friend. Flags are available at any VA regional office or most U.S. Post Offices.
Veterans who served during wartime, or peacetime veterans who served after January 31, 1955, and were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.
An engraved paper certificate, signed by the current President, honoring the memory of honorably discharged veterans. Eligible recipients include next of kin, other relatives, and friends. Multiple copies may be requested.
Available for any veteran who was discharged under honorable conditions. Family members, friends, and authorized representatives may request certificates.
Burial allowance amounts are set by 38 USC 2302-2307. The non-service-connected and plot allowances are indexed annually; verify the current fiscal-year figures on VA.gov. Contact the National Cemetery Scheduling Office at 1-800-535-1117 for burial arrangements.