Military Funeral FAQ's- Military Funerals: The Funeral Source

Here are some answers to
many of the most frequently
asked questions regarding
military funerals and burials.

Does the VA pay for cremation?

Can I be reimbursed for burial expenses?

What are my burial benefits?

What can I do now to prepare for burial in a national
cemetery?

I do not have a DD214. Are other military documents
acceptable?

I don’t have my military discharge, how can I get a copy?

If I remarry after my husband dies can I still be buried in a
national cemetery with my first husband?
No, divorced spouses do not qualify for veteran's benefits

Is my mother, who is not a veteran, entitled to a
Government marker in a private cemetery?

Can I be buried at Arlington National Cemetery?
Military personnel, veterans whose service ended honorably, and their
dependents may be buried without charge in any national cemetery in which
space is available.

Am I eligible for a burial flag and how do I get one?

I served in the National Guard. Can I be buried in a
National Cemetery?

What is a Presidential Memorial Certificate?

How can I find out the status of a headstone order?

What do I do if the headstone inscription is incorrect?

All my medals were lost after the war. How can I get them
replaced?

Can I order a flat marker for my husband and use it as a
foot stone?

My great-grandfather was killed during the Civil War. Can
you tell me where he is buried and about his service in the
Union Army?

Can VA provide burial at sea?

What is a state veterans cemetery?

Will the national cemetery provide military honors for my
brother?

Is the National Cemetery Administration running out of
space?

The VA has gotten complaints from veterans who have been approached by
commercial funeral companies offering free cemetery lots and, or other
veteran’s benefits. They DO NOT represent the U.S. Government! Be sure to
ask:

• Must you also purchase another lot?
• Where is it located?
• How much will it cost?
• Is "perpetual care" additional?
• What are the costs for opening and closing each grave?
• Must certain memorials be purchased through the cemetery?
• What are the costs for setting memorials?
• Is a vault required?
• Even for cremated remains?
• May it be purchased elsewhere?
• Is there marker or planting restrictions?
• What are the "administrative" charges?
• Who owns the cemetery?
• Are there nearby municipal or religious cemeteries which charge less for the
same services?

Military Burial FAQ's