VA Headstones, Markers, And Medallions

Program Description

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) furnishes upon request, at no charge to the applicant, a Government headstone or marker for the unmarked grave of any deceased eligible veteran in any cemetery around the world, regardless of their date of death. The VA may also furnish a headstone or marker for graves that are marked with a private headstone or marker, for veterans that died on or after November 1, 1990.

Services

• Gravestone or marker is provided free to any cemetery.
• Installation at a private cemetery may incur a fee.

Eligibility

• Veteran with other than dishonorable discharge and active duty service (after 1981, 24 months of service or full period ordered to federal active duty).
• -OR-
• Reserve and National Guard retirees (or those eligible for retired pay).
• Individuals may not have been convicted of capital crimes.
• Spouses and dependents are not eligible for a Government-furnished headstone or marker unless they are buried in a national cemetery, state veteran's cemetery, or military post/base cemetery.
• Additional eligibility details.

How To Apply

• When burial is in a private cemetery, VA Form 40-1330, Claim for Standard Government Headstone or Marker or VA Form 40-1330M, Claim for Government Medallion must be submitted by the next of kin, a person authorized in writing by the next of kin, or a personal representative authorized in writing by the decedent to request a Government-provided headstone or marker.
• When burial or memorialization is in a national, post, or state Veterans' cemetery, a headstone or marker will be ordered by the cemetery officials based on inscription information provided by the next of kin.
• Funeral home directors can also assist with burial and memorial benefits.

Documentation

• Military discharge documents. Do not send original documents, as they will not be returned.