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Veteran burial in a national cemetery

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers burial in national cemeteries for qualifying veterans and spouses. In some cases, their child may qualify too.

Keep in mind that the VA cannot guarantee burial in a specific cemetery.

Eligibility for burial in a national cemetery

To qualify for burial in a national cemetery, a veteran or their dependents must meet the VA’s eligibility requirements

Pre-apply for burial in a national cemetery

You can find out in advance if you can be buried in a national cemetery. Follow the steps to apply for pre-need eligibility for burial in a VA national cemetery.

You may apply online or mail your application to:

NCA Intake Center
P.O. Box 5237
Janesville, WI 53547

If the VA approves your application, you will receive a pre-need decision letter. Share this letter with your family to make the burial process easier. 

Schedule burial in a national cemetery

The process to schedule burial depends on if the deceased person received a pre-need decision letter. 

Scheduling with a pre-need decision letter

If there is a pre-need letter, a loved one or funeral director can request the burial. Call the National Cemetery Scheduling Office at 1-800-535-1117.

Scheduling without a pre-need decision letter

Without a pre-need letter, follow the VA’s three steps to schedule a burial.

LAST UPDATED: December 6, 2023

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