The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides a free headstone, marker, or medallion to honor eligible Veterans and service members. This program ensures a permanent memorial for those who served, whether they are buried in private cemeteries or state Veterans cemeteries. It serves as a lasting tribute to their dedication and sacrifice.
What is Headstones, Markers, and Medallions?
The Headstones, Markers, and Medallions program, administered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), provides a range of memorial items to commemorate eligible Veterans, service members, and in some cases, their eligible family members. This program aims to ensure that the service of these individuals is permanently recognized, offering a government-furnished memorial at no cost. The benefit is typically available for graves that are not already marked with a government-provided headstone or marker, or for graves marked with a privately purchased headstone under specific conditions.
Who Qualifies?
Eligibility for a government-furnished headstone, marker, or medallion is generally based on the Veteran’s or service member’s military service and discharge status. As of 2026, based on the official VA source, the following criteria typically apply:
- For Veterans and Active-Duty Service Members:
- The Veteran did not receive a dishonorable discharge, or the service member died while on active duty.
- At least one of these must be true:
- The Veteran or service member died on or after November 1, 1990, and their grave is currently marked with a privately purchased headstone, OR
- The Veteran or service member was buried in an unmarked grave, anywhere in the world.
- For Veterans who served as enlisted personnel after September 7, 1980, or as officers after October 16, 1981, at least one of these must also be true:
- The Veteran served for a minimum of 24 months of continuous active duty, OR
- The Veteran died while serving on active duty.
- Hmong individuals naturalized under the Hmong Veterans Naturalization Act of 2000 and who died on or after March 23, 2018, are also eligible if they were living in the U.S. when they died.
- For National Guard Members and Reservists:
- National Guard members may be eligible if they were entitled to retirement pay at their time of death (or would have been entitled if over 60), or served in a federal status for the period they were called to serve.
- Reservists may be eligible if they were entitled to retirement pay at their time of death (or would have been entitled if over 60), or were called to active duty for purposes other than training.
- Note: Those with only limited active-duty service for training are generally not eligible, unless they died during or as a result of the training.
- For Spouses and Dependent Children:
- A spouse or dependent child buried in a national cemetery, state or tribal Veterans cemetery, military post cemetery, or military base cemetery may be eligible for a headstone or marker.
- Spouses and dependent children buried in a private cemetery are generally not eligible for a headstone or marker, but may be eligible for an inscription on the Veteran’s headstone or marker.
- For Memorial Headstones or Markers:
- A memorial headstone or marker may be requested if the deceased’s remains haven’t been recovered or identified, were buried at sea, donated to science, or cremated and scattered.
Detailed documentation, such as muster rolls or extracts from state files, may be required for Veterans who served before World War I. Applicants should verify specific requirements with the agency before applying.
What You Can Get
The Headstones, Markers, and Medallions program provides a range of options to create a lasting memorial for eligible individuals, at no cost. Based on the official VA source, the available memorial items include:
- Types of Headstones and Markers:
- Upright headstones
- Flat markers (available in granite, marble, or bronze)
- Bronze medallions (designed for placement on a privately purchased headstone or marker)
- Cemetery Locations:
- These items are available for Veterans buried in private cemeteries.
- They are also available for those buried in state Veterans cemeteries that meet VA requirements.
It is important to note that if a plaque or urn is chosen for a Veteran, they will generally no longer be eligible for burial in a VA national cemetery, and the VA may not be able to provide a government headstone, marker, or medallion for the Veteran after the plaque or urn has been received. This is a critical consideration when selecting memorial benefits.
How to Apply — Step-by-Step
Applying for a government-furnished headstone, marker, or medallion involves submitting specific forms and supporting documentation to the VA. Applicants typically represent the deceased Veteran, service member, or family member.
- Determine the Correct Form:
- For a headstone, grave marker, or wall marker, complete VA Form 40-1330, “Claim for Standard Government Headstone or Marker.”
- For a medallion to be placed on a privately purchased headstone or marker, complete VA Form 40-1330M, “Claim for Government Medallion for Placement in a Private Cemetery.”
- Gather Supporting Documents:
- A copy of the Veteran’s DD214 or other official discharge documents proving military service.
- A copy of the death certificate.
- For Veterans who served before World War I, detailed documents such as muster rolls or extracts from state files may be required.
- Complete the Application:
- Fill out all required sections of the chosen VA form accurately.
- If this is a second request or a replacement due to an inscription mistake or damage, applicants should explain this in block 27 of VA Form 40-1330.
- Submit Your Application:
- Online: Use the QuickSubmit tool through AccessVA. First-time users will need to register.
- By Mail: Send the application and supporting documents (copies, not originals) to: NCA FP Evidence Intake Center, PO Box 5237, Janesville, WI 53547.
- By Fax: Fax the application and supporting documents to the number provided on the official VA website (see official source).
Applicants should retain copies of all submitted documents for their records. For the most current forms and submission details, always refer to the official VA website: https://www.va.gov/burials-memorials/memorial-items/headstones-markers-medallions/.
Common Mistakes & Pitfalls
When applying for VA headstones, markers, or medallions, applicants may encounter common issues that can delay or complicate the process. Being aware of these can help ensure a smoother application:
- Sending Original Documents: The VA advises against sending original discharge or death certificates, as they cannot be returned. Always send copies.
- Incorrect Form Usage: Using VA Form 40-1330 for a medallion (instead of VA Form 40-1330M) or vice-versa can lead to processing delays.
- Incomplete Documentation: Failing to provide a copy of the Veteran’s DD214 or other discharge documents, or the death certificate, is a frequent cause of delays.
- Misunderstanding Spouse/Dependent Eligibility for Private Cemeteries: Spouses and dependent children buried in private cemeteries are generally only eligible for an inscription on the Veteran’s headstone, not a separate government-furnished headstone or marker.
- Not Specifying Second Requests or Replacements: If applying for a replacement or a second request, failing to explain this in block 27 of VA Form 40-1330 can cause confusion.
- Choosing a Plaque/Urn First: Opting for a commemorative plaque or urn may make the Veteran ineligible for a government headstone, marker, or medallion later, and may affect eligibility for burial in a VA national cemetery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can spouses or dependent children receive a government headstone or marker?
Yes, in certain situations. A spouse or dependent child buried in a national cemetery, state or tribal Veterans cemetery, military post cemetery, or military base cemetery may be eligible for a headstone or marker. However, if they are buried in a private cemetery, they are generally only eligible for an inscription on the Veteran’s headstone or marker, not a separate government-furnished one.
What if the Veteran’s remains are not available or identified?
A memorial headstone or marker may be requested if the deceased’s remains haven’t been recovered or identified, were buried at sea, donated to science, or cremated and scattered. This ensures that their service is still honored with a permanent memorial.
Can I choose the type of headstone or marker?
Yes, the program offers choices. Applicants can typically select from upright headstones, flat markers (available in granite, marble, or bronze), or bronze medallions. The specific options available may depend on the cemetery type and local regulations.
What information is included on the headstone or marker?
The information typically inscribed on a government-furnished headstone or marker includes the Veteran’s name, branch of service, dates of birth and death, and may include rank, awards, and religious emblems. The applicant provides the necessary information for the inscription during the application process. For specific details on what can be included, applicants should consult the official VA guidelines (see official source).
Where to Get Help
- Apply or check status: VA.gov
- Call VA: 1-800-827-1000 (general benefits)
- Visit a local Veterans Service Organization (VSO) for free claim assistance — DAV, AMVETS, VFW, American Legion
- VA Crisis Line (24/7): Dial 988, then press 1
Reviewed by Gov Money Map Editorial Team — Last verified: 2026-05-13
Primary Sources: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA.gov). Official program page: https://www.va.gov/burials-memorials/memorial-items/headstones-markers-medallions/
DISCLAIMER: Gov Money Map is not a government agency, tax advisor, financial advisor, or law firm. This page provides general educational information only. Federal program rules, dollar amounts, and eligibility criteria change frequently — verify current details with the official agency before submitting an application or making a financial decision. Last updated: May 2026.