Headstones, Markers, and Medallions from the VA

The VA provides headstones, grave markers, and medallions for eligible veterans at no cost — helping ensure their service is properly recognized and remembered.

While many families are aware this benefit exists, fewer understand the different options available or how they apply depending on where a veteran is buried.

What the VA Provides

For eligible veterans, the VA may provide:

• Headstones (upright)
• Flat grave markers
• Niche markers for cremated remains
• Medallions to be placed on privately purchased headstones

These items are provided at no cost to the family and are available regardless of whether the veteran is buried in a VA national cemetery or a private cemetery.

Headstones and Markers in National Cemeteries

For veterans buried in a VA national cemetery, a government-furnished headstone or marker is automatically included as part of the burial benefits.

This typically includes:

• The veteran’s name
• Branch of service
• Dates of birth and death
• Optional inscriptions, such as religious emblems

These markers are standardized and maintained by the VA as part of the cemetery’s perpetual care.

Headstones and Markers in Private Cemeteries

If a veteran is buried in a private cemetery, families can still request a government-furnished headstone or marker.

Alternatively, if a private headstone has already been purchased, the VA offers a medallion that can be affixed to the existing marker to signify the veteran’s service.

This allows families to maintain a personalized headstone while still recognizing military service.

What’s Not Included

While the VA provides the headstone, marker, or medallion itself, certain costs are not covered, such as:

• Installation or setting fees in private cemeteries
• Cemetery-specific charges
• Custom engraving beyond standard options

These costs are typically the responsibility of the family or the cemetery.

Why This Benefit Matters

This benefit ensures that every eligible veteran can be recognized for their service, regardless of burial location or financial situation.

It also provides families with a consistent and official way to honor their loved one, whether in a national cemetery or a private setting.

What to Do Next

• Confirm eligibility based on service and discharge status
• Consider burial location (national vs private cemetery)
• Decide whether a government marker or medallion fits your preferences
• Ensure service records are available for future requests

Many families are unaware of the options available until after burial arrangements have already been made. Understanding this benefit ahead of time allows for better planning and fewer limitations later on.

For those who want a complete breakdown of burial planning and how all VA benefits fit together, EARNED.vet provides a step-by-step burial preparedness toolkit designed to guide families through the process.

— EARNED.vet