Veteran Headstones and Markers: How to Apply for a Free Gravemarker

What the VA Provides

The Department of Veterans Affairs furnishes several types of memorialization options at no cost to the families of eligible veterans. These include flat bronze markers, flat granite markers, flat marble markers, upright marble or granite headstones, bronze niche covers for columbarium placement, and bronze medallions that can be affixed to privately purchased headstones.

Each marker or headstone is inscribed with the veteran's name, branch of service, dates of birth and death, and any other authorized inscription such as a religious emblem or a term of endearment. The VA offers more than 60 available emblems of belief for placement on government headstones and markers, reflecting the diverse faiths and philosophies of American veterans.

This benefit has been available since the Civil War, and the VA continues to refine and expand the options. Whether your loved one is buried in a national cemetery or a small rural churchyard, the VA will provide a marker that honors their service at no cost to the family.

Who Is Eligible

Eligibility for a VA headstone or marker extends to any veteran who served in the active military, naval, or air service and was discharged under conditions other than dishonorable. This includes veterans of every branch of the armed forces, from World War I through the present day. Members of the Reserve and National Guard who were called to active duty, who completed a qualifying period of service, or who died while on duty training are also eligible.

Service members who died on active duty are eligible regardless of the length of their service. Certain other groups, including commissioned officers of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the U.S. Public Health Service, may also qualify under specific circumstances.

If you are unsure whether your loved one qualifies, the VA can help determine eligibility based on the veteran's discharge papers (DD Form 214) and service records. In cases where discharge papers have been lost, the National Personnel Records Center can assist in obtaining replacement documentation.

Types of Headstones and Markers Available

The VA offers several options to accommodate different cemetery requirements and family preferences. Upright headstones are the traditional choice and are available in white marble or light gray granite. They stand approximately 42 inches tall and 13 inches wide. Flat markers are available in bronze, granite, or marble, and they lie flush with the ground, which is required by many modern cemeteries.

Bronze niche covers are designed for columbarium placement and are provided for veterans whose cremated remains are inurned in a columbarium. The medallion option was introduced in 2009 for veterans whose families have already purchased a private headstone. The medallion is a bronze disc approximately three inches in diameter that can be affixed to the existing headstone to indicate the deceased's veteran status.

Each type of marker can be personalized with authorized inscriptions, including the veteran's rank, war service, awards and decorations, and an emblem of belief. A brief term of endearment, such as Beloved Father, may also be included at the family's request.

How to Apply for a VA Headstone or Marker

To apply for a VA headstone or marker, you will need to complete VA Form 40-1330, which is titled Claim for Standard Government Headstone or Marker. This form can be downloaded from the VA website, obtained from any VA regional office, or requested by calling 1-800-827-1000. The form asks for the veteran's personal information, military service details, and the location where the marker should be shipped.

You will need to include a copy of the veteran's discharge papers (DD Form 214) or other proof of military service with the application. If you do not have these documents, the VA can assist in locating service records. The form should be signed by the next of kin, a personal representative, or an authorized cemetery official.

Submit the completed form and supporting documents to the Memorial Products Service at the address listed on the form. You can also fax the application. Many funeral homes and cemetery offices are familiar with this process and can help you complete and submit the paperwork.

How Long the Process Takes

Once the VA receives a completed application, it typically takes six to eight weeks for the headstone or marker to be processed, manufactured, and shipped. The marker is shipped directly to the destination listed on the application, which may be the cemetery, the funeral home, or the applicant's home address.

Processing times can vary depending on the type of marker requested and the volume of applications being processed at the time. Bronze markers generally take longer than granite or marble markers due to the manufacturing process. There is no expedited processing option, so it is a good idea to submit the application as soon as possible after the burial.

If significant time passes beyond the expected window, you can check the status of your application by calling the Memorial Products Service at 1-800-697-6947. Keep a copy of your submitted application for your records so you can reference the details when following up.

What to Do If a Marker Is Damaged or Missing

If a VA headstone or marker becomes damaged, deteriorated, or goes missing, the VA will replace it at no cost. To request a replacement, submit a new VA Form 40-1330 with a notation that this is a replacement request and a brief explanation of why the replacement is needed. Include photographs of the damaged marker if possible.

The VA also offers a program to replace markers that contain incorrect information. If you discover an error in the inscription, such as a misspelled name, wrong dates, or incorrect branch of service, contact the Memorial Products Service to initiate a correction. You will need to provide documentation supporting the correct information.

For markers in national cemeteries, the VA handles all maintenance and replacement through the cemetery's own staff. If you notice a damaged or deteriorating marker in a national cemetery, notify the cemetery director and they will arrange for repair or replacement. The VA is committed to ensuring that every veteran's gravesite is properly maintained and memorialized.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Reading

• Veteran Burial Benefits: What Every Family Should Know
• Military Funeral Honors: What to Expect