Benefits.gov - Headstones, Markers and Medallions for Placement in Private Cemeteries

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Headstones, Markers and Medallions for Placement in Private Cemeteries

Managing Agency National Cemetery Administration (NCA) http://www.cem.va.gov

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 death.

General Program Requirements

Any deceased Veteran discharged from the U.S. armed forces under conditions other than dishonorable is eligible for a government-furnished headstone or marker. Service after Sept. 7, 1980, as an enlisted person or after Oct. 16, 1981, as an officer, must be for a minimum of 24 consecutive months or be completed under special circumstances (e.g., death on active duty.)

For eligible Veterans that died before Nov. 1, 1990, by law, VA may only furnish a headstone or marker if the grave is unmarked.

For eligible Veterans that died on or after Nov. 1, 1990, there is no requirement that the grave be unmarked. When the grave is already marked, applicants will have the option to apply for either a traditional headstone or marker, or a medallion that will be affixed to an existing privately purchased headstone or marker.

Headstones and markers are furnished for eligible spouses and dependents of veterans, only when they are buried or memorialized in a national, military post/base or state veterans cemetery. Spouses and dependents buried in a private cemetery are not eligible for a government-furnished headstone or marker.

Veterans whose only active duty service was for training while in the National Guard or Reserves are not eligible unless there are special circumstances (e.g., death while on duty or as a result of training.)

Persons with 20 years of service in the National Guard or Reserves who are entitled to retired pay are also eligible for a government headstone or marker. A copy of the Reserve Retirement Eligibility Benefits Letter must accompany the application. Active duty service (other than active duty for training) while in the National Guard or Reserves also establishes eligibility.

Your Next Steps

The following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.

Application Process

Please visit http://www.cem.va.gov/cem/hm_hm.asp to download the VA Form 40-1330, Claim for Standard Government Headstone or Marker or VA Form 40-1330M, Claim for Government Medallion and to obtain additional information about the VA headstone and marker program, including information about the available headstone, marker and medallion types and styles. Completed applications may be faxed or mailed to the following:

Toll Free Fax Number:
1-800-455-7143

or

Memorial Programs Service (41B)
Department of Veterans Affairs
5109 Russell Road
Quantico, VA 22134-3903

Program Contact Information

You may call our Applicant Assistance Unit toll free between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. (ET), Monday through Friday at:
1-800-697-6947

If you have questions:

Visit https://iris.custhelp.com/ to search Frequently Asked Questions or ask a question on-line
Call 1-800-827-1000
Call 1-800-829-4833, if you are hearing impaired

To apply for additional Veterans' benefits and view your benefit status, open an eBenefits Premium account. eBenefits is a one-stop source for information on Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs benefits and services. With a free Premium level eBenefits account, Veterans and Servicemembers can conduct self-service transactions such as checking claim status information, GI Bill enrollment, and obtaining copies of civil service preference letters, DD214, and other personal information. For further information and to register for a free Premium level account, visit http://www.ebenefits.va.gov.