National Cemeteries

Objective

To verify military service and determine eligibility for burial in a VA national cemetery. To schedule the burial of eligible Veterans, family members, and certain others in VA national cemeteries. To provide pre-need determinations for burial to Veterans, family members and certain others.

Who Can Apply

• Veteran (including dependents)

Applicant may be the decedent's personal representative, next of kin, friend, public assistance officer or funeral home. For pre-need eligibility determinations, applicants include the Veteran/Servicemember, spouse/surviving spouse, unmarried adult child of the Veteran/Servicemember, or others.

Who Benefits

• Veteran (including dependents)

Eligible Veterans, members of the Armed Forces of the United States (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and Space Force) who die on active duty; members of the Reserve or the Army and Air National Guard who die while performing active duty for training; Reservists and National Guard members who are eligible for retirement pay; the spouse of an eligible veteran member of the Armed forces or individual receiving retired pay (including a 20-year Reservist or National Guard member); minor children and certain unmarried adult children of an eligible veteran or member of the Armed forces, or individual receiving retired pay (including a 20-year Reservist and National Guard member) are eligible for interment. Enlisted personnel who entered military duty after September 7, 1980, and officers commissioned after October 16, 1981, must have served a minimum of 24 months or the full period for which called or ordered to active duty to be eligible for interment. Citizens of the United States who served in the Armed Forces of any government allied with the United States during any war, who were citizens of the U.S. at time of entry and are citizens of the U.S. at time of death; Certain Commissioned Officers of the Public Health Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are also eligible. Groups determined to have active duty service are eligible for all VA benefits under the provisions of Section 401, Public Law 95-202. Reservists who are activated under Presidential Order under title 10, may also be eligible. National Guard Members called to Federal active duty may also be eligible. Other persons who meet eligibility requirements under law may be eligible for burial. Hmong Fighters naturalized under Section 2(1) of the Hmong Veterans' Naturalization Act of 2000 who meet other requirements.

Assistance Types

• Advisory Services

Program Contact

eligibility1@va.gov
314-416-6336