Veteran Burial Benefits
Across the country, Veterans from every era and every conflict rest in dignity, honor, and respect in VA national cemeteries. Memorial services at VA national cemeteries are provided at no charge to eligible Veterans and their families.
Burial services include:
- a plot or columbarium (for cremated remains),
- a grave liner, opening and closing of the grave,
- a headstone or marker,
- a burial flag,
- a Presidential Memorial Certificate,
- and perpetual (ongoing) care of the gravesite.
These benefits can provide peace of mind and reduce the financial burden of burial costs to families.
If you are a Veteran or family member interested in learning more about VA Burial and Memorial benefits, visit VA.gov and select “Burials and Memorials” to learn more. Through a “Pre-Need eligibility assessment,” you can help ease the burial planning process for you and your loved ones.
If you have questions about future burial needs for yourself or a living dependent of a Veteran, or you need assistance with the submission of a pre-need application, call 800-535-1117 and press 4. Counselors are available Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 7:30 pm Eastern Time and Saturday 9:00 am to 5:30 pm Eastern Time. Telecommunications Relay Services or TTY available at 711. If you do not have discharge documents or other military paperwork, we will help obtain the information needed to determine eligibility for interment in a VA national cemetery.
Robert is an Army combat veteran with service in Vietnam, Europe, the Pentagon, and the Department of State. He is an advocate for disabled veteran awareness and suicide prevention.
.my father served from 1960 and got out in 1964 wondering if he would be eligible to be cremated and have his ashes near his fellow soldiers
Hello Donato,
We think so. This is the VA site that provides information on eligibility – https://www.va.gov/burials-memorials/eligibility/. Contact your local VA office if you need additional clarification. Thanks for your query. Best, The DVEN Team.