Veteran National Cemetery: If you or a loved one is planning for burial in a VA national cemetery, this clear, compassionate, step-by-step guide explains eligibility, pre-need planning, how to schedule a burial, required documents, and who to contact — all based on official VA and USA.gov guidance .
Why plan for a veteran national cemetery burial?
A VA national cemetery is a place of honor and long-term care. Qualifying veterans — and, in many cases, eligible spouses and dependent children — may be buried with dignity and military honors, often with no cost for the gravesite, opening/closing of the grave, or marker. Knowing the process in advance makes everything easier for your family when the time comes.
1 — Confirm basic eligibility
Eligibility depends mainly on the veteran’s service record (type of discharge, when/where served) and the relationship/status of the family member (spouse, dependent child). Many veterans with an honorable discharge and at least one day of active duty service (other than for training) are eligible for in-urnment; ground-burial rules vary by cemetery and may be more stringent (for example, Arlington has different, stricter rules). Always confirm eligibility through the VA or the particular cemetery.
2 — Apply for a pre-need eligibility determination (highly recommended)
A pre-need eligibility determination (also called a pre-need decision letter) states ahead of time whether you qualify for burial in a VA national cemetery. Getting this letter removes uncertainty for surviving family and speeds the scheduling process at the time of need. You can apply online through the VA’s pre-need page or complete and mail the form to the NCA Evidence Intake Center. The NCA pre-need mailing address is:
NCA Evidence Intake Center (NCA FP Evidence Intake Center)
PO Box 5237
Janesville, WI 53547.
3 — Keep the right documents ready
Whether you apply for pre-need now or wait until needed, these documents are the core evidence agencies will ask for:
- DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) or equivalent service records.
- Marriage certificate and children’s birth certificates (to prove dependent relationships).
- Retirement orders or other documentation for retirees.
- Any VA disability decision letters (if claiming benefits related to service-connected death).
Scan and keep legible digital copies so they can be emailed or faxed quickly when required.
4 — How to schedule a burial (two common pathways)
If you have a pre-need decision letter: share it with the family or funeral director — they (or you) can request the burial directly through the National Cemetery Scheduling Office (NCSO). If you do not have a pre-need letter: follow the VA’s standard scheduling steps (send discharge papers, contact NCSO, provide decedent details). For either route, the NCSO phone line is the central contact: 1-800-535-1117 (TTY: 711).
5 — How to submit documents quickly (fax / email / mail)
Before you call NCSO to schedule, send the veteran’s discharge documentation so staff can confirm eligibility. The VA accepts documents by:
- Fax (VA pages list toll-free fax numbers for scheduling intake — check the scheduling page for current fax details) — the VA has used numbers such as 1-866-900-6417 and 1-855-840-8299 in its guidance; if unsure, email or call the NCSO to confirm the current preferred fax.
- Email: NCA.Scheduling@va.gov (include the decedent’s name in the subject line).
- Mail: the pre-need form and supporting evidence to the NCA Evidence Intake Center address above.
Follow up with a phone call to 1-800-535-1117 to confirm receipt and reserve a timeslot.
6 — Understand scheduling windows and cemetery limitations
- The VA maintains many national cemeteries and also supports state/tribal cemeteries funded by grants — eligibility rules are similar but individual cemetery policies (and availability of in-ground plots) vary. The VA cannot guarantee burial at a specific national cemetery; if you want a particular site, ask about availability and alternatives early. Arlington National Cemetery is managed separately by the Army and has more restrictive eligibility rules than VA national cemeteries.
7 — What the VA provides (and what families typically pay)
For eligible interments, the VA usually provides at no cost: gravesite, opening and closing, perpetual care, government headstone or marker, a burial flag, and a Presidential Memorial Certificate. Families are typically responsible for funeral home and transportation costs, cemetery-side services beyond the committal, and any private casket or burial vault charges the funeral home requires. Check the VA pages for the latest list of no-cost items and burial allowances.
8 — Use available tools to track committal services and burial schedules
The National Cemetery Administration publishes a Daily Burial Schedule that the public can search to see scheduled committal services (when families authorize the listing). This can help relatives, clubs, and community groups know when a service will occur. For scheduling and confirmations, rely on NCSO directly.
9 — Practical checklist (copy, print, keep)
- Apply for a pre-need eligibility determination (print and keep the decision letter).
- Keep clean digital scans of DD-214, marriage/birth certificates, retirement orders, and VA decisions.
- If needed soon: fax/email discharge papers to NCA scheduling and call 1-800-535-1117 to schedule.
- Ask the cemetery about grave location options, marker types, and service availability.
- Confirm all contact names, confirmation numbers, and dates in a small binder or secure digital file.
Quick FAQs (short answers)
Q: Can a spouse be buried if they remarry?
A: Yes — spouses who marry again may still be eligible for burial in a VA national cemetery. Check the VA rules and provide marriage documentation.
Q: Do I need a pre-need letter to be eligible?
A: No — you do not need a pre-need determination to be eligible at time of need, but having one simplifies scheduling and confirms eligibility in advance.
Q: Who runs Arlington National Cemetery and is it the same as VA national cemeteries?
A: Arlington is run by the Department of the Army and has different, generally stricter, eligibility rules than VA national cemeteries. Confirm Arlington’s rules if that is your preferred site.
Compassionate final note
Planning ahead is a gift to your loved ones. A pre-need determination and an organized folder of documents reduce stress and prevent delays during a difficult time. If you or your family need help, the National Cemetery Scheduling Office and local funeral directors are experienced with the process, and accredited Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) can assist as well.
Disclaimer
This blog provides general informational guidance based on official federal resources and is not legal, medical, or financial advice. Rules, forms, and contact information change — always verify current requirements and addresses on official government websites before you file or make arrangements.
Helpful official links (clickable)
- USA.gov — Veteran burial in a national cemetery (source for this article). (USAGov)
https://www.usa.gov/veteran-burial - VA — Pre-Need Eligibility for Burial in a VA Cemetery (apply online / form). (Veterans Affairs)
https://www.va.gov/burials-memorials/pre-need-eligibility/ - VA — Schedule a Burial for a Veteran or Family Member (instructions, fax/email, phone). (Veterans Affairs)
https://www.va.gov/burials-memorials/schedule-a-burial/ - National Cemetery Administration (NCA) — Daily Burial Schedule & NCA home. (VA)
https://www.cem.va.gov - Arlington National Cemetery — eligibility & scheduling (Army-managed; different rules). (Arlington National Cemetery)
https://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil