Application for an Exception to the Interment/Inurnment Policy

Below is a listing of the generally required documents for the respective type of exception request. However, every request for exception to the burial policy is slightly different and as such additional documentation may be requested by ANC.

1. Exception which requires a new grave:

1. Exception which requires a new grave will be reviewed by the Executive Director and forwarded to the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Manpower and Reserve Affairs) who will thoroughly review all information submitted and then provide a recommendation to the Secretary of the Army who will make the decision. The Secretary of the Army will make a decision on the request based on all information submitted by the decedent's Next of Kin (NOK) or representative through the Executive Director.
2. Justification for the specific waiver is the responsibility of the requestor. The Department of Defense does not conduct research to help justify waivers for interment or inurnment to ANC. A person requesting an exception for a decedent should provide factual, detailed information, supported with accurate documentation, for each of the criteria listed below. Every effort is made to process requests (once all documentation is received) and make a decision as quickly as possible.
3. Each request for exception to the interment and inurnment policies will be evaluated using the following considerations:
   1. The decedent's specific military service (contributions and acts) that directly and substantially benefited the United States military.
   2. The decedent's specific civilian service (contributions and acts) that directly and substantially benefited the United States military that demonstrates the manner and level of sacrifice or heroism typical of military service.
   3. Whether the decedent's combined military and civilian service presents extraordinary circumstances that justify approving an exception to the policy.
   4. The degree to which a decedent meets eligibility standards for interment or inurnment.
   5. The degree of consistency with past decisions.
   6. The potential impact of a decision, as precedent, for future requests of like circumstance or degree.
4. The following information is required to process the request:
   1. A written request, with notarized signature, from the Next of Kin or personal representative of the deceased providing the reason(s) why the deceased should be favorably considered for an exception to policy. All relevant information regarding military service or service to the nation should be included.
   2. Documentation of service such as: DD Form 214, award certificates, and orders.
   3. The point of contact and both a daytime and evening telephone number for questions concerning additional information and notification purposes.
   4. The public disclosure form signed by the next of kin or personal representative. Copies of the public disclosure form are available online here or you may call 1-(877)-907-8585 to request a form.

2. Exception for burial in the same grave as a person already interred at Arlington National Cemetery:

1. Requests for exception for burial in the same grave as a person already interred in Arlington National Cemetery will be thoroughly reviewed and then approved or denied by the Executive Director.
2. Justification for the specific waiver is the responsibility of the requestor. The Department of Defense does not conduct research to help justify waivers for interment or inurnment to ANC. A person requesting an exception for a decedent should provide factual, detailed information, supported with accurate documentation, for each of the criteria listed below. Every effort is made to process requests (once all documentation is received) and make a decision as quickly as possible.
3. The following information is required to process the request:
   1. A written request, with notarized signature, from the next of kin or personal representative of the deceased seeking burial at Arlington National Cemetery, detailing the relationship between the deceased seeking burial and the person already buried at Arlington National Cemetery and an explanation of why the request should be favorably considered. Particular attention should be given to honorable service in the U.S. military and/or lifetime achievements that provided significant and notable support to the U.S. military.
   2. Statements with notarized signature from every living parent, sibling, adult child of the eligible veteran already interred, stating they have no objection to the requested exception. If the eligible veteran is still alive, a statement with notarized signature from the eligible veteran is required.
   3. Sworn statement with notarized signature from a third party who knows those persons who have provided the statements of no objection to the requested exception. The notarized sworn statement must list by name all persons who have provided a statement, and attest that those persons who provided statements are indeed the only living parents, siblings, and adult children of the person already interred.
   4. The public disclosure form signed by the next of kin or personal representative. Copies of the public disclosure form are available online here or you may call 1-(877)-907-8585 to request a form.

3. Where to send documentation:

All documents must be notarized and can be faxed to - (571) 256-3334 or emailed to Arlingtoncemetery.isb@mail.mil.

Public Disclosure Form