Who is eligible?

Veterans, service members and dependents are eligible for burial in one of VA's 117 national cemeteries. An eligible veteran must have been discharged or separated from active duty under conditions other than dishonorable and have completed the required period of service. Persons entitled to retired pay as a result of 20 years creditable service with a reserve component are also eligible. A U.S. citizen who served in the armed forces of a government allied with the United States in a war also may be eligible.

Spouses and minor children of eligible veterans and of service members also may be buried in a national cemetery. It does not matter who precedes whom in death for this benefit. Surviving spouses of veterans who married non-veterans are now eligible for burial in national cemeteries when the death of the surviving spouse occurs on or after January 1, 2000.

What are the benefits?

Burial benefits in a VA national cemetery include the gravesite, opening and closing of the grave, the headstone or marker and providing the interment site with perpetual care. A graveliner is also provided. Many national cemeteries have columbaria or special gravesites for cremated remains. Chattanooga National Cemetery in Chattanooga, Tennessee has identified obstructed graves as sites for cremated remains. Both flat granite and upright marble headstones are available and provided at government's expense. The government now offers free of charge, an optional inscription at the bottom of the headstone if space permits. In order to expedite headstone arrival, families need to provide their desired term of endearment at the time of the committal service.

Gravesites in national cemeteries cannot be reserved. Funeral directors or others making burial arrangements must apply at the time of death. Cemeteries do not provide military honors but may make referrals to military units or volunteer groups. The flag should drape the casket of the veteran upon entrance to the national cemetery and the casket may NOT be opened after entering the cemetery.

When may burial take place?

The National Cemetery System normally does not conduct burials on weekends. A weekend caller; however, will be directed to one of three strategically located VA cemetery offices that remain open during weekends to schedule burials at the cemetery of the caller's choice during the following week. In the Southern Area, Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, Missouri receives calls at 1-800-535-1117 between the hours of 8:00 am and 4:30 PM (CST).

National Cemeteries/VA Cemeteries

Information Provided By

Chattanooga National Cemetery.

Disabled Veterans Death Benefits is a WEB Site that explains if the veteran died because of a service-related disability OR the veteran was getting VA pension or compensation at the time of death OR the veteran was entitled to receive VA pension or compensation but decided not to reduce his/her military retirement or disability pay OR the veteran died in a VA hospital or while in a nursing home under VA contract, what additional benefits may be paid.