Montevista | National Cemetery Burial: Eligibility and How to Apply
National Cemetery Burial: Eligibility and How to Apply
Burial in a VA national cemetery is one of the most valuable benefits available to veterans and their eligible family members. National cemetery burial includes a gravesite, opening and closing of the grave, perpetual care, a government headstone, and burial flag—all at no cost to the family. Understanding eligibility requirements and the application process ensures veterans receive this earned honor.
This comprehensive guide explains who qualifies for national cemetery burial, what benefits are included, how to apply, and what to expect during the process.
What National Cemetery Burial Includes
Benefits Provided at No Cost
Gravesite in a national cemetery: – In-ground burial plot or columbarium niche (for cremated remains) – No charge to family – Location assigned by cemetery
Opening and closing of the grave: – Excavation of gravesite – Placement of casket or urn – Filling and restoration – All labor included
Perpetual care: – Grave maintenance forever – Landscaping and groundskeeping – No ongoing fees or charges
Government headstone or marker: – Flat marker or upright headstone – Inscription with name, dates, military information – Installation included – Maintained by cemetery
Burial flag: – American flag provided for casket or urn – Presented to family during ceremony
Military funeral honors: – Coordinated by cemetery staff – Flag folding and presentation – Playing of Taps – Honor guard when available
What’s NOT Included
Family must provide or pay for: – Funeral home services – Casket or urn – Transportation to cemetery – Flowers – Reception or gathering – Death certificates
Cost to family: Only funeral home services and casket/urn (typically $2,000-$5,000)
Who Is Eligible for National Cemetery Burial
Eligible Veterans
Basic eligibility requirements: – Discharged under conditions other than dishonorable – Served in active duty military, Reserves, or National Guard – Met minimum service requirements
Specific eligible veterans: – Any member of Armed Forces who died on active duty – Any veteran discharged from active duty (not dishonorably) – Reservists and National Guard members who completed required service or were called to active duty – Service members with 20+ years of qualifying service in Reserves/National Guard
Not eligible: – Veterans with dishonorable discharges – Those whose service was not qualifying
Verify eligibility: Contact National Cemetery Administration at 1-800-535-1117
Eligible Family Members
Can be buried with eligible veteran:
Spouse: – Current spouse of eligible veteran – Surviving spouse (if not remarried) – Former spouses in some circumstances (married for certain period, not remarried)
Dependent children: – Unmarried children under 21 – Unmarried adult children who became disabled before age 18 or 21 (and remain dependent)
Pre-deceased family members: – Spouse or dependent child who died before veteran – Can be buried in reserved gravesite
Important: Spouse and dependent eligibility typically requires veteran be buried in the same cemetery, though exceptions exist.
Documentation Required
To prove eligibility, you need:
For veterans: – DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) – Discharge papers showing character of discharge – Military service records
For family members: – Proof of relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate) – Proof of dependency (for adult disabled children) – Veteran’s DD-214
Can’t find DD-214? Request from National Archives: eVetRecs.archives.gov or 1-866-272-6272
How to Apply for National Cemetery Burial
Pre-Need Application (Before Death)
Apply in advance to confirm eligibility
Benefits of pre-planning: – Verify eligibility while veteran is living – Receive confirmation of burial rights – Simplifies process for family later – Peace of mind
How to apply for pre-need determination:
Step 1: Complete VA Form 40-10007 – Application for Pre-Need Determination of Eligibility for Burial in a VA National Cemetery – Available online at www.va.gov or from national cemeteries
Step 2: Attach required documents – Copy of DD-214 or discharge papers – For family members: proof of relationship
Step 3: Submit application – Online at www.va.gov – Mail to any national cemetery – In person at national cemetery
Step 4: Receive determination letter – VA sends approval or denial – Keep letter with important papers – Share with family members
Processing time: 2-6 weeks typically
Pre-need determination does NOT reserve a specific gravesite—it confirms eligibility
At-Need Application (After Death)
Apply when arranging actual burial
When to apply: As soon as possible after death
Who applies: Usually funeral director on behalf of family
How to arrange burial:
Step 1: Contact cemetery – Call National Cemetery Scheduling Office: 1-800-535-1117 – Available Monday-Friday, 8am-5:30pm ET – Also open some evenings and Saturdays
Step 2: Provide information – Veteran’s full name – Social Security number – Military service information – Date of death – Preferred cemetery
Step 3: Submit documentation – DD-214 or discharge papers – Death certificate (if available) – Proof of relationship (for family members)
Step 4: Schedule burial – Cemetery assigns date and time – Typically within 5-10 days – Coordinate with funeral home
Step 5: Funeral home coordinates – Delivers casket/urn to cemetery – Arranges timing – Coordinates with family
Choosing a National Cemetery
Finding National Cemeteries
141 national cemeteries nationwide
Find cemeteries near you: – Visit www.cem.va.gov – Call 1-800-535-1117 – Search by state or zip code
Availability Considerations
Open vs. closed cemeteries:
Open cemeteries: Accepting new burials
Closed cemeteries: No longer accepting new burials except: – Burial in existing family plot – Cremated remains in existing plot – Columbarium niches (at some closed cemeteries)
Many urban national cemeteries are closed to new ground burials but may accept cremated remains
Geographic Considerations
Choose based on: – Location convenience for family visiting – Setting and aesthetics – Availability (open for burials) – Family burial preferences
You may be buried at any open national cemetery where space is available—not limited to cemeteries near last residence
California National Cemeteries
Bay Area and Northern California
Golden Gate National Cemetery (San Bruno) – Location: San Bruno (near San Francisco) – Status: Closed to ground burials; accepts cremated remains in columbarium – Historic cemetery established 1941
San Francisco National Cemetery (Presidio) – Location: Presidio of San Francisco – Status: Closed except for existing family plots – Historic cemetery
Sacramento Valley National Cemetery (Dixon) – Location: Dixon (Solano County, near Sacramento) – Status: Open for burials – Serves Northern California and Bay Area – Opened 2005
San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery (Santa Nella) – Location: Santa Nella (Merced County) – Status: Open for burials – Serves Central Valley and portions of Bay Area – Opened 2005
Southern California
Riverside National Cemetery – Location: Riverside – Status: Open for burials – One of busiest national cemeteries
Miramar National Cemetery – Location: San Diego – Status: Open for burials
Los Angeles National Cemetery – Location: Los Angeles (West LA) – Status: Closed to ground burials; accepts cremated remains
What to Expect on Burial Day
Typical Schedule
Arrival: – Family arrives before scheduled time – Funeral procession to gravesite – Cemetery staff guides you
Graveside service: – Religious or secular ceremony – Family, friends, clergy – Usually 20-30 minutes
Military honors: – Honor guard performs ceremony – Flag folding and presentation – Playing of Taps – Brief but meaningful
Committal: – Casket/urn placed in grave or niche – Family may stay or depart – Cemetery completes burial after family leaves
Accommodations for Families
National cemeteries provide: – Committal shelters (at most cemeteries) – Seating for family – PA system for services – Accessible facilities
Weather considerations: – Shelters protect from rain/sun – Dress appropriately for weather – Cemetery doesn’t reschedule for weather
After Burial
Visiting the Grave
Cemeteries open to visitors: – Dawn to dusk daily – Some have extended hours – Always open on Memorial Day and Veterans Day
Finding the gravesite: – Cemetery provides location information – Headstone installed within 60-120 days – Maps available from cemetery office
Headstone Inscription
Standard inscription includes: – Full name – Birth and death dates – Military rank and branch – War service – Awards (if space permits) – Emblem of belief (religious symbol)
Family provides: – Correct spelling of name – Desired military information – Emblem preference
Inscription limits: Space limitations on flat markers; more space on upright headstones
Decorations and Flowers
Policies vary by cemetery:
Generally allowed: – Fresh cut flowers in cemetery-provided holders – Small seasonal decorations
Generally prohibited: – Glass containers – Shepherd hooks – Permanent plantings – Items placed on flat markers (create mowing hazards)
Check specific cemetery rules
Special Circumstances
Group Burials
Families can be buried together: – Veteran and spouse in single plot – Double-depth burials available – Cremated remains of multiple family members in one plot
Cremated Remains
All burial options available: – In-ground burial of urn – Columbarium niches – Scattering gardens (at some cemeteries)
Multiple family members’ cremated remains may share single gravesite
Burial of Children
Dependent children eligibility: – Unmarried children under 21 – Adult disabled children (dependent)
Infant miscarriages: – Some cemeteries accommodate with documentation
Disinterment and Transfer
Rarely allowed: – National cemetery burial is intended to be permanent – Disinterment only in exceptional circumstances – Requires approval from Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs
State Veterans Cemeteries
Alternative to National Cemeteries
91 state veterans cemeteries operated by states with VA support
Similar benefits: – Free burial plot – Opening/closing grave – Perpetual care – Government headstone
Eligibility: – Similar to national cemeteries – May have state residency requirements – Often less restrictive than national cemeteries
California State Veterans Cemeteries: – Check CalVet website for locations – May be closer than federal national cemeteries – Often have greater availability
Contact: California Department of Veterans Affairs
Common Questions
Can I be buried with my spouse? Yes, eligible spouses can be buried in the same plot or adjacent plots.
What if I move before I die? You can be buried at any open national cemetery, regardless of last residence.
Can I choose my specific gravesite location? No, cemetery assigns locations to maintain efficient use of space.
How long does it take to get buried? Usually scheduled within 5-10 days of request, though timing can vary by cemetery workload.
What if the DD-214 is lost? Request replacement from National Archives before or during application process.
Do I need to apply in advance? Not required but recommended—pre-need determination confirms eligibility.
Is there a cost? No cost for burial, gravesite, opening/closing, perpetual care, or headstone. Families pay funeral home and casket/urn.
Key Takeaways
National cemetery burial provides significant benefits:
- No cost for gravesite, opening/closing, perpetual care, headstone
- Eligibility requires other than dishonorable discharge and qualifying service
- Spouses and dependents can be buried with veteran
- Pre-need application recommended to confirm eligibility in advance
- Contact 1-800-535-1117 to arrange burial
- Apply through funeral director or family member
- Burial typically scheduled within 5-10 days
- Military honors included at national cemetery burials
- 141 national cemeteries nationwide plus 91 state veterans cemeteries
National cemetery burial honors veterans’ service with dignified final resting place.
Veterans National Cemetery Burial Assistance at Monte Vista Memorial Gardens
Monte Vista Memorial Gardens assists families with understanding national cemetery burial eligibility and coordinating burial arrangements at VA national cemeteries. We work with national cemeteries throughout California to ensure veterans receive all earned benefits.
Call 510-299-1174 to discuss national cemetery burial options and assistance with the application process.