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Headstones, Markers and Medallions for Placement in Private Cemeteries
Any deceased Veteran discharged from the U.S. armed forces under conditions other than dishonorable is eligible for a government-furnished headstone or marker. Service in an active component after Sept. 7, 1980, as an enlisted person or after Oct. 16, 1981, as an officer, must be for a minimum of 24 consecutive months or be completed under special circumstances (e.g., death on active duty.)
For eligible Veterans that died before Nov. 1, 1990, by law, VA may only furnish a headstone or marker if the grave is unmarked.
For eligible Veterans that died on or after Nov. 1, 1990, there is no requirement that the grave be unmarked for a recipient of a headstone, marker, or medallion. When the grave is already marked, applicants will have the option to apply for either a traditional headstone or marker, or a medallion that will be affixed to an existing privately purchased headstone or marker.
In lieu of a headstone or marker, VA may furnish a medallion for the marked graves of Veterans who served on or after April 6, 1917.
Headstones and markers are furnished for eligible spouses and dependents of Veterans, only when they are buried or memorialized in a national, military post/base or state Veterans cemetery. Spouses and dependents buried in a private cemetery are not eligible for a government-furnished headstone or marker.
Persons with 20 years of service in the National Guard or Reserves who are entitled to retired pay are also eligible for a government headstone or marker. A copy of the Reserve Retirement Eligibility Benefits Letter should accompany the application. Active-duty service (other than active duty for training) performed under conditions other than dishonorable while in the National Guard or Reserves also establishes headstone/marker or medallion eligibility and does not require receipt or entitlement to retiree pay.
Veterans whose only active duty service was for training while in the National Guard or Reserves are not eligible unless there are special circumstances (e.g., death while on duty or as a result of training.)
Please visit the National Cemetery Administration webpage to download VA Form 40-1330, Claim for Standard Government Headstone or Marker or VA Form 40-1330M, Claim for Government Medallion and to obtain additional information about the VA headstone and marker program, including information about the available headstone, marker and medallion types and styles.
Completed applications may be faxed or mailed to the following:
Toll Free Fax Number:
1-800-455-7143
or
NCA FP Evidence Intake Center,
P.O. Box 5237
Janesville, WI 53547
You may call the VA Memorial Product Service Applicant Assistance Unit toll free between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. (ET), Monday through Friday at:
1-800-697-6947 (TTY: 711)
If you have any questions, visit the Ask VA (AVA) website to ask a question electronically.
