03/29/2026
VA Headstones & Markers – Who is Eligible?
A Veteran who didn’t receive a dishonorable discharge or a service member who died while on active duty may be eligible for a headstone or marker if they meet these requirements.
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
And 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
National Guard members
At least one of these must be true:
- The National Guard member was entitled to retirement pay at their time of death (or would have been entitled if they were over 60 years old), or
- The National Guard member served in a federal status and for the period of time they were called to serve
Reservists
At least one of these must be true:
- The Reservist was entitled to retirement pay at their time of death (or would have been entitled if they were over 60 years old), or
- The Reservist was called to active duty for purposes other than training
Who can apply?
In most cases, you can apply for one of these benefits if you’re representing the deceased Veteran, service member, or family member in any of these relationships or professional roles.
- A family member, or
- A personal representative (someone who officially represents the deceased), or
- A representative of an accredited Veterans Service Organization, or
- An employee of a state or local government whose official responsibilities include serving Veterans, or
- Any person who’s legally responsible for making arrangements for unclaimed remains or for details having to do with the deceased’s interment or memorialization, or
- Any individual representing the deceased, if the Veteran’s service ended before April 6, 1917
You may apply for a memorial headstone or marker if any of these descriptions is true:
- The deceased’s remains haven’t been recovered or identified, or
- The deceased’s remains were buried at sea, or
- The deceased’s remains were donated to science, or
- The deceased’s remains were cremated and scattered
See your County Veterans Affairs Office for more information and to apply for benefits.
