Veteran Benefits Center
VA National Cemeteries
Eligible veterans and certain family members may be buried in one of the VA's national cemeteries at no cost for the opening and closing of the grave, the liner, the headstone or marker, and perpetual care.
What Is Provided at No Cost?
Burial in a VA national cemetery includes, at no cost to the family: the opening and closing of the grave, a burial liner, a government-furnished headstone or marker, and perpetual care of the gravesite. The family is responsible for other costs, such as transportation of the remains to the cemetery.
Who Is Eligible?
Eligible veterans include those who served honorably in the U.S. Armed Forces and were not discharged dishonorably. Spouses and dependent children of eligible veterans may also be eligible for burial in a national cemetery. Eligibility is determined by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Cremated Remains
Eligible veterans' cremated remains may be interred in a VA national cemetery. Cremated remains may be buried in the ground or placed in a columbarium niche, depending on the cemetery's available space and facilities.
How to Request Burial
Burial in a VA national cemetery is requested through the funeral home at the time of arrangement. Taps2's licensed funeral professionals are experienced in coordinating national cemetery burials and will assist families in making the request and providing the required documentation.
VA national cemetery burial is a benefit administered by the National Cemetery Scheduling Office of the Department of Veterans Affairs. It is not a Taps2 program. Eligibility is determined solely by the VA. Taps2 provides educational information and professional assistance — it does not administer VA benefits.
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