The Department of Veterans Affairs provides headstones, markers, and medallions for eligible veterans at no cost, whether the veteran is buried in a national cemetery, a state veterans cemetery, or any private cemetery in the country. Many families do not know the benefit exists or assume it only applies at national cemeteries. This guide explains who qualifies, what is provided, and how to apply.
What the VA provides at no cost
For an eligible veteran, the VA supplies one of the following, plus shipping:
- An upright headstone in granite or marble
- A flat marker in granite, marble, or bronze
- A niche marker for cremated remains placed in a columbarium
- A medallion fixed to a privately purchased headstone or marker, for veterans buried in private cemeteries
In a VA national cemetery, the headstone, the plot, opening and closing, and perpetual care are all provided free; the cemetery installs the marker itself. In a state veterans cemetery, the state usually provides and installs the marker under similar terms. In a private cemetery, the VA ships the marker but the family pays the cemetery's installation and setting fees, which the VA does not cover.
Spouses and dependents buried in a national cemetery receive a marker too, inscribed with their details.
Who is eligible
Broadly, the benefit covers:
- Veterans discharged under conditions other than dishonorable
- Active-duty service members who die on duty
- Members of certain reserve components with qualifying service
- Some commissioned officers of the Public Health Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
There is no requirement that the veteran died on active duty, and no time limit: the benefit applies whether the burial happened last week or decades ago. Unmarked graves of veterans can receive a marker even long after burial.
The one practical limit in private cemeteries is that the VA generally will not replace a privately purchased headstone that is already in place, except to correct errors or add an emblem of belief. A medallion is the usual answer there.
How to apply
Applications go through the VA's memorial products program. Families can apply online through VA.gov or by mailing VA Form 40-1330 (Claim for Government Medallion for Placement in a Private Cemetery) or 40-1330 for markers. Before applying, gather:
- The veteran's discharge papers (DD Form 214 or equivalent), which is the key document
- The cemetery's name, address, and plot location
- The veteran's date of death and, for a niche marker, the columbarium details
- The desired inscription, including name, rank, branch, dates, and an optional emblem of belief
The VA recommends applying in advance of need when possible; families can even apply for a marker before the veteran dies so it is ready. If the veteran is buried in a national or state veterans cemetery, the cemetery staff usually handles the marker order as part of the burial arrangement, and the family does not need to apply separately.
Timing
Orders typically take several weeks to a few months from approval to delivery at the cemetery. National cemeteries install markers on their own schedule after burial, which can add time before the stone appears. If you want the marker in place for a specific date such as Memorial Day, apply months ahead.
The medallion option for private cemeteries
If a veteran buried in a private cemetery already has a family-purchased headstone, the VA supplies a bronze medallion instead. Three sizes are available, each showing the service branch or the veteran's status. The family or cemetery affixes it to the existing stone. The medallion is free; like the marker, installation costs are the family's responsibility.
Costs the VA does not cover
Families in private cemeteries should budget for:
- The cemetery's marker installation and foundation fees
- Any perpetual care surcharge on the marker
- Upgrades such as flower vases or custom sizes beyond the standard government designs
These fees vary widely; ask the cemetery for them in writing before ordering the marker.
Finding help
County veterans service officers and state veterans affairs offices help families with VA applications at no charge, and veterans service organizations such as the VFW and American Legion do the same. Using them costs nothing and prevents the paperwork errors that most often delay markers.