VA Form 27-2008
Application for United States Flag for Burial Purposes
Who fills it
next-of-kin
Journey phase
Burial & Memorial
Estimated time
10-15 minutes.
When to file
As soon as possible after the veteran's death, before or at the funeral. Flags are available at any VA regional office, national cemetery, or most post offices.
The veteran has died and you want the honor of a burial flag to drape the casket and present to the next of kin.
Gather before you start
—Veteran's DD-214 or service records
—Veteran's date of death and burial date
—Funeral home name and address
—Next of kin information
Attach with the form
—DD-214 (or confirmation of service from VA if records are on file)
Section I - Veteran Information
Blocks 1-8Veteran name, SSN, branch, service dates, date of death, character of dischargePII
VA verifies that the veteran's discharge was under conditions other than dishonorable. Must include branch and approximate service dates. Most veterans with honorable, general, or even other-than-honorable discharges qualify for a burial flag.
Example
(veteran legal name, branch, service dates, date of death)
Common mistakes
- Assuming only honorable discharge veterans qualify - general and many OTH discharges also qualify.
- Not knowing that flags are also available for reservists and National Guard veterans who had at least one day of active federal service.
Authority
38 USC 2301 - Burial allowance entitlement for eligible veterans.
Section II - Next of Kin or Funeral Director
Blocks 9-13Name, relationship, address of person receiving the flagPII
The name and relationship of the person who will receive the flag. Priority order for receiving the flag: spouse, children, parents, siblings. If the funeral director is requesting on behalf of the family, note that.
Example
e.g., Jane Smith, spouse, 123 Main St, Phoenix AZ 85001
Common mistakes
- Not designating a specific recipient - the flag should go to the surviving family member of highest priority.
Section III - Certification
Blocks 14-15Requestor signature and datePII
Sign and date. The form is often completed at the funeral home, but can also be obtained directly from a VA regional office, national cemetery, or post office.
Example
(signature/date)
Common mistakes
- Not knowing the burial flag is completely free with no means test or application fee.
- Missing the opportunity - the flag is a meaningful honor and costs nothing.
Statutory & regulatory authority
38 USC 2301 - Burial allowance entitlement for eligible veterans.