Determine eligibility for burial in a VA national cemetery

Previously, eligibility for burial in a VA national cemetery could only be determined after the death of the veteran or family member. Now, veterans can find out if they are eligible for burial in a VA national cemetery before the time of need. This “pre-need” eligibility determination helps families plan in advance and streamline access to burial benefits that veterans have earned through military service for themselves and their eligible family members.

Anyone interested in applying for a pre-need eligibility determination for burial in a VA national cemetery may submit VA Form 40-10007, found online at www.va.gov/vaforms/va/pdf/VA40-10007.pdf. More information is available at https://explore.va.gov/memorial-benefits. Those who can apply for pre-need burial eligibility determination include veterans and spouses, while family members, authorized representatives and agents can apply on behalf of eligible claimants.

If you plan to be buried in a private cemetery and just want a government-furnished headstone or marker, still complete VA form 40-10007. VA will maintain your pre-need application, supporting documentation and decision letter in an electronic information system. At your time of need, your family member or individual responsible for the disposition of your remains must submit a VA Form 40-1330, Claim for Standard Government Headstone or Marker. They should write in box 27 entitled “REMARKS” on VA Form 40-1330 “decedent has a VA pre-need decision letter.”

Following your application for pre-need eligibility, VA will save the claim form, supporting documentation and decision letter in a recallable system to expedite your burial arrangements at your time of need. At time of death, should your family or personal representative request burial in a VA national cemetery, VA will confirm eligibility based on the laws in effect at that time.