Death & Survivor Benefits

Burial in a VA National Cemetery

A free gravesite, opening and closing, vault liner, headstone and perpetual care in a VA national cemetery for an eligible veteran, and for an eligible spouse or dependent child.

Also called: national cemetery, Arlington, pre-need eligibility, NCA, VA Form 40-10007.

For: Veteran or service member, spouse, child, survivor.

Where it applies

Applies in states and territories.

Federal

VA's National Cemetery Administration runs more than 150 national cemeteries. Burial there includes the gravesite, opening and closing, a government-furnished grave liner, a headstone or marker, a burial flag, a Presidential Memorial Certificate and perpetual care, at no cost to the family. Cremated remains can be buried, placed in a columbarium niche or scattered in a memorial area. A veteran who did not receive a dishonorable discharge and met the minimum service rules qualifies, as does a service member who died on active duty and certain Guard and Reserve members. A spouse, including a surviving spouse who remarried, and a minor or disabled adult dependent child can be buried with the veteran, even if they die first. VA's pre-need eligibility program, on VA Form 40-10007, lets a veteran learn ahead of time whether they qualify. Arlington National Cemetery is run by the Army and has narrower rules of its own.

Thresholds

Thresholds for Burial in a VA National Cemetery
Gate	Rule
Eligible veteran or family member	Service and discharge rules for the veteran; spouse and dependent paths follow.

Documents the source lists

What the official source lists for an application, and where to get each document. It is a reference read from the source, not a full list of what the office may ask for; check with the office or an accredited representative before you apply. Needed means the source asks for it; Helps means the source calls it optional or says it speeds things up.

Needed The DD214 or other discharge documents of the veteran or service member whose service makes the person eligible
To schedule a burial at the time of need.
Where to get it Download it from milConnect if your branch has it there, or request it from the National Archives. A VA application can ask VA to request it for you.
Listed by VA, Schedule a burial for a Veteran or family member read 2026-10-10
Needed Social Security number or service number of the person who died, and the next of kin’s Social Security number
To schedule a burial at the time of need.
Where to get it Your Social Security card. Social Security replaces a lost card.
Listed by VA, Schedule a burial for a Veteran or family member read 2026-10-10
Helps Documents showing a relationship to the veteran or a dependent’s status
If VA asks, such as for a spouse or a dependent child.
Where to get it A death certificate, divorce decree, doctor’s letter or Social Security statement, from whoever issued it.
Listed by VA, Schedule a burial for a Veteran or family member read 2026-10-10
Helps DD214 or other separation documents
To apply ahead of time for a pre-need eligibility decision.
Where to get it Download it from milConnect if your branch has it there, or request it from the National Archives. A VA application can ask VA to request it for you.
Listed by VA, Pre-need eligibility for burial in a VA cemetery read 2026-10-10
Needed Application for Pre-need Determination of Eligibility for Burial in a VA National Cemetery (VA Form 40-10007)
If you apply for pre-need eligibility by mail or fax.
Where to get it Download it from VA.gov, or ask a VA regional office or an accredited representative for a copy.
Listed by VA, Pre-need eligibility for burial in a VA cemetery read 2026-10-10
Needed Proof you may apply for someone else, such as a court appointment or power of attorney, with VA Form 21-22 or 21-22a
If you apply for pre-need eligibility on someone else’s behalf.
Where to get it Your own legal papers; the forms are on VA.gov.
Listed by VA, Pre-need eligibility for burial in a VA cemetery read 2026-10-10

Sources

Eligibility for burial in a VA national cemeteryOfficial
38 C.F.R. 38.620, Persons eligible for burialOfficial

Updated

Last updated 2026-10-08.

What changed then:

First published.

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Disclaimer

VetTOC is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or the Department of Defense. Information is for reference only and is not an eligibility determination. Verify with VA, the relevant state or territory, or an accredited VSO.