Veterans Benefits

Burial in National Cemeteries

Eligibility for burial in a Veterans Administration (VA) national cemetery is based on the length of time in active military service and the nature of the veteran’s separation from the service.

Members of the U.S. armed forces who died in active duty and veterans who were discharged or separated from active duty under conditions other than dishonorable are eligible for burial in national cemeteries. Limitations to this eligibility began in 1980. Veterans who entered active duty as enlisted personnel after September 7, 1980, and all veterans who entered active duty after October 16, 1981, must meet the following criteria to be eligible for burial in a national cemetery:

  • Have served at least 24 months of active duty or for the entire period they were called to active duty,

    or

  • Have received a hardship discharge or a service-connected disability.

    Burial in a VA national cemetery is also available to an eligible veteran’s spouse, widow or widower who has not remarried, and dependent minor children.

    A pamphlet titled “Interments in National Cemeteries“ is available from VA regional offices. It provides detailed information on national cemetery burial arrangements. Applications for burial should be made at the time of death by contacting the director of the national cemetery desired. Funeral directors can often provide this service.

    Be advised that Arlington National Cemetery is under the jurisdiction of the Department of the Army, not the Department of Veterans Affairs. With the exception of cremated remains, burial is limited to specific categories of military personnel and veterans. For more information, write to the Superintendent, Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA 22211, or call 800-827-1000.



    Burial Benefits and Plot Allowances

    A veteran who dies as a result of a service-connected disability is entitled to a maximum of $1,500 for burial and funeral expenses. The costs of transporting the body to the national cemetery nearest the veteran’s home may also be paid.

    Veterans who die for reasons other than service connected disabilities on or after October 1, 1981, may be entitled up to $300 in burial benefits. Eligibility is established if the veteran:

  • Was entitled at the time of death to pension or compensation (or but for the receipt of military retired pay would have been entitled to compensation),

    or

  • Died while hospitalized or domiciled in a VA facility or other facility at VA expense.

    Eligibility may also be established in some cases of indigent veterans whose remains are unclaimed.

    For deaths occurring on or after November 1, 1990, an additional plot or interment allowance of up to $150 is available to the same categories of veterans eligible for the $300 burial benefits, and to those who are discharged or retired from service because of a disability which was incurred or aggravated in the line of duty. Veterans of any war who died prior to November 1, 1990, were also eligible for the plot allowance. The plot allowance is provided only for those veterans who are not buried in a national cemetery.

    The dates of wars in which the United States was engaged are:

  • Spanish American War - April 21, 1898, through July 4, 1902. If the veteran served with the United States military forces engaged in hostilities in the Moro Province, the ending date is July 15, 1903.

  • Mexican Border Period - May 9, 1916, through April 5, 1917.

  • World War I - April 6, 1917, through November 11, 1918. If the veteran served with the United States military forces in Russia, the ending date is July 1, 1920.

  • World War II - December 7, 1941, through December 31, 1946.

  • Korean War - June 27, 1950, through January 31, 1955

  • Vietnam Era - August 5, 1964, through May 7, 1975.

  • Persian Gulf War - August 2, 1990, through a date to be prescribed by presidential proclamation or law.

    Claims for VA burial benefits must generally be filed within two (2) years of permanent burial or cremation. Additional costs of transporting a body may be allowed if the veteran died at a VA hospital or other facility at VA expense, or if the veteran died in transit at VA expense to or from a medical facility. Members of the Reserves or the National Guard who die as a result of active duty for training may also be eligible for burial benefits.

    Either the funeral director or the individual paying the burial expenses may claim reimbursement for burial and plot allowances through any VA office.


    Headstone or Grave Marker Benefits

    Please note that if you already have a headstone or monument, you are not eligible for a government marker. Veterans eligible for burial in a national cemeteDied while hospitalized or domiciled in a VA facility or other facility at VA expense.

    Eligibility may also be established in some cases of indigent veterans whose remains are unclaimed.

    For deaths occurring on or after November 1, 1990, an additional plot or interment allowance of up to $150 is available to the same categories of veterans eligible for the $300 burial benefits, and to those who are discharged or retired from service because of a disability which was incurred or aggravated in the line of duty. Veterans of any war who died prior to November 1, 1990, were also eligible for the plot allowance. The plot allowance is provided only for those veterans who are not buried in a national cemetery.

    The dates of wars in which the United States was engaged are:

  • Spanish American War - April 21, 1898, through July 4, 1902. If the veteran served with the United States military forces engaged in hostilities in the Moro Province, the ending date is July 15, 1903.

  • Mexican Border Period - May 9, 1916, through April 5, 1917.

  • World War I - April 6, 1917, through November 11, 1918. If the veteran served with the United States military forces in Russia, the ending date is July 1, 1920.

  • World War II - December 7, 1941, through December 31, 1946.

  • Korean War - June 27, 1950, through January 31, 1955

  • Vietnam Era - August 5, 1964, through May 7, 1975.

  • Persian Gulf War - August 2, 1990, through a date to be prescribed by presidential proclamation or law.

    Claims for VA burial benefits must generally be filed within two (2) years of permanent burial or cremation. Additional costs of transporting a body may be allowed if the veteran died at a VA hospital or other facility at VA expense, or if the veteran died in transit at VA expense to or from a medical facility. Members of the Reserves or the National Guard who die as a result of active duty for training may also be eligible for burial benefits.

    Either the funeral director or the individual paying the burial expenses may claim reimbursement for burial and plot allowances through any VA office.



    Headstone or Grave Marker Benefits

    Please note that if you already have a headstone or monument, you are not eligible for a government marker. Veterans eligible for burial in a national cemetery, buried on or after October 18, 1978; are entitled to a government-provided headstone or grave marker, regardless of whether they are buried in a national cemetery. ry, buried on or after October 18, 1978; are entitled to a government-provided headstone or grave marker, regardless of whether they are buried in a national cemetery.


    For the location of the nearest VA facility, call 800-827-1000.