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Confirm Military Burial and Funeral Honors
Last Wishes & Arrangements
If the deceased was a U.S. military veteran, they may be eligible for burial in a national or state veterans cemetery and for military funeral honors, including an honor guard, flag presentation, and the playing of Taps. Locate proof of military service, such as a DD-214 or discharge papers, and notify the funeral home or local VA office as soon as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Military
Who is eligible for military funeral honors?
Any veteran who served on active duty and was discharged under conditions other than dishonorable is eligible. This includes retired military, National Guard and Reserve members who completed at least one term of enlistment, and certain other categories. The funeral home or your local VA office can verify eligibility. You do not need to have served in combat.
What do military funeral honors include?
At minimum, honors include a two-person uniformed detail who fold and present the American flag to the next of kin, and the playing of Taps (live or recorded). Full military honors for higher-ranking personnel may include a casket team, firing party (3-volley salute), a bugler, and a horse-drawn caisson. Request honors through the funeral home—they coordinate with the local military installation.
Documents
How do I get a VA headstone or marker?
The VA provides headstones, markers, and medallions for eligible veterans at no cost, including delivery to the cemetery. Apply using VA Form 40-1330 (available at va.gov). You will need the veteran's discharge papers (DD-214), death certificate, and burial location information. Processing takes approximately 60 days. The VA also provides a Presidential Memorial Certificate at no charge upon request.
What if I cannot find the DD-214 discharge papers?
Request a copy from the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) using Standard Form 180, available at archives.gov/veterans. Next of kin can request records with a death certificate and proof of relationship. Processing takes 10-90 days depending on the era of service. For urgent funeral needs, call NPRC at 314-801-0800 and explain the situation—they may expedite the request.
Costs
What VA burial benefits are available?
The VA offers: burial in a national cemetery (free, including the grave, liner, headstone, and perpetual care), a burial allowance for veterans who die of service-connected causes ($2,000+) or non-service-connected causes (up to $948 for burial, $948 for plot if not in a national cemetery, as of 2024), and a flag for the casket. Spouses and dependents may also be eligible for burial in a national cemetery.