LOADING
VA burial benefits represent one of the most fundamental forms of recognition for military service. Most veterans with honorable discharge qualify for burial in a VA national cemetery, and additional burial-related benefits are available in various circumstances. Understanding these benefits in advance helps families navigate end-of-life decisions during difficult times.
Eligibility for burial in a VA national cemetery is established under 38 USC 2402 and 38 CFR 38.620. The primary eligibility category includes any veteran who served on active duty and was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable. Members of the Armed Forces, including National Guard and Reserve members in specific circumstances, may qualify. Certain spouses, surviving spouses, and dependent children of eligible veterans may also qualify.
The National Cemetery Administration operates over 150 national cemeteries across the United States. Service at these cemeteries is provided at no cost to the family and includes the grave site, opening and closing of the grave, a government headstone or marker, a burial flag, perpetual care, and a Presidential Memorial Certificate. The specific amenities provided vary somewhat by cemetery.
Pre-need eligibility determination allows veterans and family members to establish burial eligibility in advance. This is done through VA Form 40-10007, which can be submitted to the National Cemetery Scheduling Office. Pre-need determination does not reserve a specific grave site but confirms eligibility, which streamlines the actual burial process when the time comes.
Burial with a spouse or dependent is available at national cemeteries. Spouses of eligible veterans may be buried with the veteran even if the spouse dies first, and may be entitled to burial independently under certain circumstances. Children who are dependents may also qualify for burial with their veteran parent.
A Presidential Memorial Certificate is an engraved paper certificate signed by the current President of the United States. It is issued to recognize the veteran's service and can be requested through VA Form 40-0247. Multiple certificates can be requested by different family members.
A government-furnished headstone or marker is provided at no cost for veterans buried in national, state, or tribal veterans cemeteries, and also for eligible veterans buried in private cemeteries. For private cemetery burial, the headstone or marker is shipped directly to the cemetery. VA Form 40-1330 is used to request a headstone or marker.
Medallions for private headstones are available for veterans buried in private cemeteries whose graves already have privately purchased headstones. The medallion is designed to be affixed to an existing headstone and can be requested in several sizes. This is a free benefit for qualifying veterans.
Burial flags are provided at no cost for all eligible veterans. The burial flag is typically used to drape the casket or urn during funeral services and is then presented to the next of kin. VA Form 27-2008 is used to request a burial flag.
Burial allowance is a separate monetary benefit available in specific circumstances. For veterans who die from service-connected conditions, the VA provides a burial allowance payable to the person or entity responsible for burial expenses. For veterans with non-service-connected deaths, burial allowance may be available in limited circumstances including if the veteran was receiving VA pension or compensation at time of death.
Plot or interment allowance is provided when a veteran is not buried in a national cemetery and the VA pays for plot or interment expenses. This is separate from the burial allowance and has its own criteria. Amounts vary based on specific circumstances.
Military funeral honors are available to every eligible veteran who requests them. The Department of Defense coordinates funeral honors through the service branches. A detail of at least two uniformed service members, at least one from the veteran's branch of service, conducts the folding and presentation of the flag and plays Taps. This is a benefit provided by the DOD, not the VA, though it is coordinated with VA burial benefits.
Applying for burial benefits can generally be done through the funeral home, which is accustomed to coordinating with the VA for veterans' burials. The National Cemetery Scheduling Office can also be contacted directly at 1-800-535-1117. For private cemetery burials with government headstones, the funeral home or family submits the applications.
Common pitfalls include not knowing about pre-need eligibility determination, not requesting available benefits like the Presidential Memorial Certificate or burial flag, and families being unaware of spousal burial eligibility. Establishing eligibility in advance and ensuring family members know about available benefits helps avoid missed benefits at a difficult time.
State veterans cemeteries exist in many states and offer similar benefits to national cemeteries. Some veterans may prefer a state cemetery due to proximity to family or other considerations. State cemeteries are operated by state veterans affairs departments with federal funding support.
The ClaimRecon platform provides information on burial benefits but does not process burial applications. Families should contact the funeral home, National Cemetery Scheduling Office, or local VA regional office for burial arrangements and benefit applications.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal, medical, or VA claims advice. Burial benefit criteria and amounts are subject to change. Always verify current information at VA.gov/burials-memorials or contact the National Cemetery Scheduling Office.
Written by ClaimRecon Editorial