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Standard Index GroupThe End of Life PlannerUnited States by Valoren

General information · not a substitute for the advice of an attorney · Valoren is a publisher, not a law firm.

Free · general informationUnited States

When a veteran dies

What the Department of Veterans Affairs and the National Archives say about burial, records, survivors and insurance, in their own words. Whether anyone is eligible is VA’s to decide.

  • Every fact dated, in the official words
  • Each state’s own law

Every quotation checked October 12, 2026 – October 16, 2026

Every quotation on this page is the official body’s own words, as they stood on the day we read them. The date is beside each one.

Burial in a national cemetery, and the memorial benefits

Veterans, service members, and some family members may be eligible for burial in a VA national cemetery.

Department of Veterans Affairs · general information · checked October 16, 2026

For a headstone, grave marker, or wall marker, fill out the Claim for Standard Government Headstone or Marker (VA Form 40-1330).

Department of Veterans Affairs · general information · checked October 16, 2026

We provide a United States flag to drape on a casket (or coffin) or place with an urn in honor of the military service of a Veteran or Reservist.

Department of Veterans Affairs · general information · checked October 16, 2026

A Presidential Memorial Certificate (PMC) is an engraved paper certificate signed by the current president.

Department of Veterans Affairs · general information · checked October 16, 2026

You may be eligible for Veterans burial allowances if you’re paying for the burial and funeral costs and you won’t be reimbursed by any other organization, like another government agency or the Veteran’s employer. You must also meet all of these requirements.

Department of Veterans Affairs · general information · checked October 16, 2026

Getting the military service records

Recent military service and medical records are not online. However, most veterans and their next of kin can obtain free copies of their DD Form 214 (Report of Separation) (part of a longer sentence)

If you are the next of kin of a deceased veteran, you must provide proof of death of the veteran such as a copy of death certificate, letter from funeral home, or published obituary.

National Archives · general information · checked October 16, 2026

You can request service records for yourself or for your next of kin (spouse, parent, child, or sibling).

USAGov · general information · checked October 16, 2026

Reporting the death to VA, and survivors benefits

If you’re the survivor of a Veteran who has died, or their legal representative, we encourage you to contact us as soon as possible to report the death.

When a Veteran dies, we want to make sure their survivors avoid debt from benefit overpayments. When you contact us to report a death, we’ll stop any benefit payments the Veteran was receiving.

Department of Veterans Affairs · general information · checked October 12, 2026

If you qualify, you can get tax-free monetary benefits. The amount you receive depends on the type of survivor you are.

Department of Veterans Affairs · general information · checked October 16, 2026

Unclaimed VA life insurance funds

VA life insurance funds – Search the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) database for unclaimed insurance funds for veterans.

USAGov · general information · checked October 16, 2026

FAQ

Common questions

Veterans, service members, and some family members may be eligible for burial in a VA national cemetery.

Department of Veterans Affairs · general information · checked October 16, 2026

For a headstone, grave marker, or wall marker, fill out the Claim for Standard Government Headstone or Marker (VA Form 40-1330).

Department of Veterans Affairs · general information · checked October 16, 2026

We provide a United States flag to drape on a casket (or coffin) or place with an urn in honor of the military service of a Veteran or Reservist.

Department of Veterans Affairs · general information · checked October 16, 2026

You may be eligible for Veterans burial allowances if you’re paying for the burial and funeral costs and you won’t be reimbursed by any other organization, like another government agency or the Veteran’s employer. You must also meet all of these requirements.

Department of Veterans Affairs · general information · checked October 16, 2026

Recent military service and medical records are not online. However, most veterans and their next of kin can obtain free copies of their DD Form 214 (Report of Separation) (part of a longer sentence)

If you are the next of kin of a deceased veteran, you must provide proof of death of the veteran such as a copy of death certificate, letter from funeral home, or published obituary.

National Archives · general information · checked October 16, 2026

You can request service records for yourself or for your next of kin (spouse, parent, child, or sibling).

USAGov · general information · checked October 16, 2026

If you’re the survivor of a Veteran who has died, or their legal representative, we encourage you to contact us as soon as possible to report the death.

When a Veteran dies, we want to make sure their survivors avoid debt from benefit overpayments. When you contact us to report a death, we’ll stop any benefit payments the Veteran was receiving.

Department of Veterans Affairs · general information · checked October 12, 2026