Veteran Funeral Benefits in Virginia (2026 Guide)
By Terry Feely, Former Firefighter and Paramedic · Last Updated May 2026
Virginia is home to approximately 710,000 veterans and has thirteen VA national cemeteries, the most of any state, reflecting its central role in American military history. Veterans in Virginia qualify for up to $2,000 in federal burial benefits for service-connected deaths, plus free burial in any VA national cemetery with a government headstone, burial flag, and military honors.
2026 VA Burial Benefit Amounts
| Benefit Category | 2026 Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Service-connected death | $2,000 | No time limit to file |
| Non-service-connected (VA hospitalized) | $1,002 | Must file within 2 years of burial |
| Non-service-connected (not hospitalized) | $300 | Must file within 2 years of burial |
| Plot or interment allowance | $1,002 | When not buried in a national cemetery |
| Headstone or marker allowance | Up to $441 | For already-purchased private headstone |
These are federal benefits available to all eligible veterans regardless of state. For a detailed breakdown of what costs are and are not reimbursed, see our VA Burial Allowance 2026 guide.
VA National Cemeteries in Virginia
| Name | City | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Alexandria National Cemetery | Alexandria | closed |
| Balls Bluff National Cemetery | Leesburg | closed |
| City Point National Cemetery | Hopewell | closed |
| Cold Harbor National Cemetery | Mechanicsville | closed |
| Culpeper National Cemetery | Culpeper | closed |
| Danville National Cemetery | Danville | closed |
| Fort Harrison National Cemetery | Richmond | closed |
| Glendale National Cemetery | Richmond | closed |
| Hampton National Cemetery | Hampton | open |
| Quantico National Cemetery | Triangle | open |
| Richmond National Cemetery | Richmond | closed |
| Staunton National Cemetery | Staunton | closed |
| Winchester National Cemetery | Winchester | closed |
For full eligibility details, see our National Cemetery Eligibility guide.
State Veterans Cemeteries in Virginia
| Name | City |
|---|---|
| Albert G. Horton Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery | Suffolk |
| Virginia Veterans Cemetery at Amelia | Amelia |
| Southwest Virginia Veterans Cemetery | Dublin |
Note: State veterans cemeteries may have residency requirements. Contact the cemetery directly to confirm eligibility before making arrangements.
Virginia Veterans Benefits
Virginia offers property tax exemptions for disabled veterans and their surviving spouses. The state operates three state veterans cemeteries at Suffolk, Amelia, and Dublin. Virginia also exempts military retirement pay from state income tax and provides free hunting and fishing licenses for disabled veterans.
Eligibility Requirements
VA burial benefits are available to veterans who meet the following criteria:
- Served on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training with a discharge under conditions other than dishonorable.
- For veterans who enlisted after September 7, 1980, or officers who entered service after October 16, 1981, a minimum of 24 consecutive months of active duty is required (or the full period for which they were called to active duty).
- Reservists and National Guard members who were activated under federal orders and completed their service period are eligible.
- Spouses, surviving spouses, and minor children of eligible veterans also qualify for burial in a national cemetery.
For full eligibility details including dependent rules, see our National Cemetery Eligibility guide.
How to Apply for VA Burial Benefits in Virginia
- 1. Gather documents. You will need the veteran's DD-214 (discharge papers), death certificate, and burial receipts from the funeral home and cemetery.
- 2. File VA Form 21P-530EZ. This is the Application for Burial Benefits. You can file online at va.gov, by mail to the VA Pension Management Center, or through a Veterans Service Organization (VSO) such as the VFW, American Legion, or DAV.
- 3. For national cemetery burial. Contact the National Cemetery Scheduling Office at 1-800-535-1117. The funeral home can also make this call on the family's behalf.
- 4. Get local assistance. Contact Roanoke Regional Office at 800-827-1000 for help with your claim or to connect with a local VSO.
For a complete walkthrough of the application process, see our VA Burial Allowance 2026 guide.
Military Funeral Honors in Virginia
Every eligible veteran in Virginia is entitled to military funeral honors at no cost. Standard honors include a minimum of two uniformed service members who fold and present the American flag to the next of kin and play Taps. Full honors, available for some veterans based on rank and service, may include a rifle volley, a color guard, and a military chaplain.
Honors are typically requested through the funeral home, which contacts the appropriate military branch. Families can also request honors directly by calling the Department of Defense at 1-877-MIL-HONR (1-877-645-4667).
For details on what each branch provides, see our Military Funeral Honors guide.
Find Funeral Homes in Virginia
When choosing a funeral home for a veteran, ask whether they routinely handle military funerals and whether they can assist with the DD-214, military honors requests, VA cemetery coordination, and burial flag. Many funeral homes in Virginia have experience serving military families.
Looking for the complete guide? See our Veterans Funeral Benefits 2026: Complete Guide for detailed information about burial allowances, headstone applications, burial flags, and survivor benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many VA national cemeteries are in Virginia?
Virginia has thirteen VA national cemeteries, the most of any state, including Hampton and Quantico, which are open for new burials. Many of the Civil War-era cemeteries are closed to new interments but remain active for subsequent burials in existing graves.
What state veterans benefits are available in Virginia?
Virginia offers property tax exemptions for disabled veterans, three state veterans cemeteries, military retirement pay income tax exemption, free hunting and fishing licenses for disabled veterans, and hiring preference in state employment.
How do I arrange a military funeral in Virginia?
Contact your funeral home director, who will coordinate with the VA National Cemetery Scheduling Office at 800-535-1117 for national cemetery burials. Military honors can be requested through the Department of Defense by calling 800-827-1000.
Can my spouse be buried with me in a Virginia VA cemetery?
Yes. Spouses and eligible dependents of veterans can be buried in the same gravesite in a VA national cemetery at no cost. The spouse does not need to be a veteran to qualify for this benefit.
Where is the closest VA regional office in Virginia?
The VA regional office serving Virginia is the Roanoke Regional Office located in Roanoke, VA. You can reach them at 800-827-1000 for assistance with burial benefits and other VA services.
Related Reading
Veterans Funeral Benefits 2026: Complete Guide
Full overview of every VA burial benefit available to veterans and families.
VA Burial Allowance 2026
Exact amounts, eligibility, and how to file Form 21P-530EZ.
Military Funeral Honors
What honors include, how to request, and differences by branch.
Funeral Industry Glossary
115 funeral terms explained in plain language.
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