Veterans Burial Benefits: A Complete Guide
From Everendium · Last reviewed August 18, 2026
Quick answer
Most veterans with an honorable or general discharge qualify for burial in a national cemetery at no cost, a government headstone or marker, a burial flag, and a Presidential Memorial Certificate — regardless of whether they served in combat. The DD-214 discharge document is the key paperwork needed to access these benefits.
Veterans and their families have access to meaningful burial benefits that many don’t fully realize exist — here’s a complete overview.
Do all veterans qualify for these benefits?
Most veterans with an honorable or general discharge qualify for basic burial benefits, regardless of whether they served during combat, in peacetime, or for any specific era of service. Certain discharge statuses can affect eligibility, so it’s worth confirming directly with the VA for a specific situation.
What’s included in basic VA burial benefits?
- Burial in a national cemetery, at no cost to the family - including the gravesite, opening and closing, and perpetual care
- A government headstone or marker, whether buried in a national, state, tribal, or private cemetery
- A burial flag, draped over the casket and given to the family afterward
- A Presidential Memorial Certificate, recognizing the veteran’s honorable service
Do these benefits apply if the veteran is buried somewhere other than a national cemetery?
Even if a family chooses burial somewhere other than a national cemetery - a private cemetery, a state veterans cemetery, or tribal land - several benefits like the headstone/marker and burial flag can often still be arranged. Check current VA guidance for specifics on your situation.
What documentation is needed?
The DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) is the essential document for verifying eligibility. If it’s been lost, funeral homes experienced with veteran burials, or the National Archives, can often help locate a copy.
What are the next steps?
See our guides on national cemetery eligibility and arrangements and military funeral honors for more detail on specific aspects of these benefits. Our Veterans Benefits Finder tool can also help identify which benefit categories are worth exploring for a specific situation.
For burial at sea, including the Navy’s program, see Burial at sea: what the rules actually allow.
Specific eligibility and current benefit details can change — confirm directly with the VA or a local veteran service officer.
Sources
About this review
Everendium Editorial Team · last reviewed August 18, 2026.
Reviewed for general accuracy against publicly available VA guidance
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