The National Cemetery Administration honors veterans with a final resting place and lasting memorials that commemorate their service to our Nation.
The Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) National Cemetery Administration maintains 125 national cemeteries in 39 states (and Puerto Rico) as well as 33 soldier’s lots and monument sites.
Burial benefits include a gravesite in any of our open cemeteries with available space, opening and closing of the grave, perpetual care, a Government headstone or marker, a burial flag, and a Presidential Memorial Certificate, at no cost to the family. Some veterans may also be eligible for Burial Allowances. Cremated remains are buried or inurned in national cemeteries in the same manner and with the same honors as casketed remains.
Burial benefits available for eligible spouses and dependents include burial with the veteran, perpetual care of the interment site. The spouse or dependent’s name and date of birth and death will be inscribed on the veteran’s headstone at no cost to the family.
General Program Requirements
Any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who dies while on active duty or any veteran who was discharged under conditions other than dishonorable may be eligible for burial in a National Cemetery.
Certain National Guard and reserve members may also qualify.
Commissioned Officers of the Public Health Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are considered to be active duty members and veterans, once discharged.
Length-of-service requirements apply in some cases.
Generally, in order to receive VA benefits and services the veteran/servicemember's character of discharge or service must be under other than dishonorable conditions (e.g., honorable, under honorable conditions, general). However, individuals receiving undesirable, bad conduct, and other types of dishonorable discharges may qualify for VA benefits depending on a determination made by VA.
Spouses and certain eligible dependents may also be buried in national cemeteries.
Pre-arrangement for burial at a National Cemetery is not allowed.
Application Process
For more information, see the Program Contact Information below.
Program Contact Information
If you have questions:
- Visit https://iris.va.gov/ to search Frequently Asked Questions or ask a question on-line.
- You may also identify the closest cemetery to where you are and call them directly. Their staff will be happy to assist you. You can find their contact information by visiting our nationwide cemetery listing and then calling the appropriate cemetery office. That website for the nationwide cemetery listing is: http://www.cem.va.gov/cem/cems/listcem.asp.
- Call one of the VBA Regional Offices closest to you at 1-800-827-1000.
- Hearing impaired may contact us at 1-800-829-4833.
Managing Agency
National Cemetery Administration (NCA)
www.cem.va.gov
