Military Burial Benefits

Burial in a National Cemetery

Any veteran who has met the minimum active duty requirements and was discharged under any condition, other than dishonorable, is eligible for burial in a national cemetery.

Eligibility of Reservists and Members of the National Guard

Reservists who serve on active duty establish veteran status and may be eligible for the full-range of VA benefits, depending on the length of active military service and a discharge or release from active duty under conditions other than dishonorable. In addition, reservists not activated may qualify for some VA benefits.

National Guard members can establish eligibility for VA benefits if activated for federal service during a period of war or domestic emergency. Activation for other than federal service does not qualify guard members for all VA benefits. Claims for VA benefits based on federal service filed by members of the National Guard should include a copy of the military orders, presidential proclamation or executive order that clearly demonstrates the federal nature of the service.

Burial Benefits

Burial benefits available include a grave site in any cemetery with available space, opening and closing of the grave, perpetual care, a Government headstone or marker, a burial flag, and a Presidential Memorial Certificate at no cost to the family.

The veteran's spouse, minor children and (under certain circumstances) the unmarried adult children, may also be buried (even if they pre-decease the veteran). Re-married surviving spouses do not lose their eligibilty for burial.

Burial options may include in-ground casket, interment of cremated remains in a columbarium, in ground or in a scatter garden.

Grave sites in national cemeteries cannot be reserved in advance. However, reservations made prior to 1962 will be honored. We suggest that families prepare in advance by discussing cemetery options, collecting the veteran’s military information including discharge papers, and by contacting the cemetery where burial is desired.

Allowances for the funeral, burial flags, headstones, markers and medailions are among the many burial benefits available to veterans.

The benefits are administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs, which has regoinal offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the Philippines. Your Veterans Funeral Specialist funeral home director will arrange all communications at your family's request. Visit www.va.gov for more information.

Veterans Funeral Specialist and its affiliates consider it a solemn honor to serve the families of veterans. We will enthusiastically apply for all benefits that your loved one is entitled to, as well as, making communications with government agencies, funeral homes and cemetaries.