Headstone, marker or medallion benefit

The Department of Veterans Affairs provides headstones and markers for the graves of veterans anywhere in the world and for eligible dependents of veterans buried in national, state veteran or federal cemeteries. Flat bronze, flat granite, flat marble and upright marble types are available to mark the grave of a veteran or dependent in the style consistent with existing monuments at the place of burial. Niche markers also are available to mark columbaria used for the inurnment of cremated remains.

Inscription Options

The name of your loved one, the years of birth and death, and the branch of service are inscribed on the headstone or marker.

Free Optional Inscriptions

Military grade, rank or rate; war service (such as “World War II”); months and days of birth and death; an emblem reflecting one’s beliefs; valor awards received; and the Purple Heart.

Additional items may be inscribed at private expense.

Information regarding style, inscription, shipping and placement can be obtained from the cemetery or through your Veteran’s Funeral Specialist funeral director.

In cemeteries other than a national cemetery or a state veterans cemetery, the headstone or marker must be applied for from the VA. It is shipped at government expense to the consignee designated on the application. The VA, however, does not pay the cost of placing the headstone or marker on the grave.

Eligibility

Eligibility for a VA headstone or marker is the same as for 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 headstone, marker or medallion.

The spouse or dependent who is buried in a private cemetary is not eligible for a VA issued headstone or marker. Reservists who have twenty years of service without active-duty service are eligible for a headstone or grave marker, if they are entitled to military retired pay at the time of death.

Emblems

There are nearly forty options for emblems of Belief.
Please visit the VA’s webpage of available emblems of Belief.