The VA provides government-furnished headstones, flat markers, niche covers, and medallions at no cost to the family — including for veterans buried in private cemeteries. Here's what's available and how to apply.
7 min read VA Form 40-1330 / 40-1330M For veteran and active-duty families Last reviewed August 2026
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The VA provides several types of grave memorialization products at no cost to families of eligible veterans. These are available not just for national cemetery burials — families who choose private cemeteries can also request government-furnished markers. The four main products are:
Upright headstone — the traditional standing stone marker, available in granite or marble
Flat grave marker — a flush-to-ground bronze, granite, or marble marker
Niche cover — for cremation urns placed in columbarium walls (national cemeteries)
Medallion — a bronze emblem that attaches to an existing privately purchased headstone
All four are free. The family pays only for delivery, monument dealer fees, and installation in a private cemetery. In national cemeteries, installation is also provided at no charge.
The VA headstone is available even without a DD-214
While the DD-214 is the preferred proof of service, families who cannot locate it may still qualify for a VA headstone using alternate service verification documents. The VA National Cemetery Scheduling Office can advise on acceptable alternatives.
Upright headstone
The upright headstone is the classic standing grave marker. The VA offers it in two materials:
White marble — the standard national cemetery style; 42" tall, 13" wide, 4" thick
Gray granite — same dimensions, available for private cemetery placement and some national cemeteries
Standard inscription elements include:
Veteran's name
Branch of service (carved emblem)
Years of birth and death
One emblem of belief (from VA's approved list of 70+ symbols)
Optional: rank/rate, war service designation, military awards, additional text lines
Flat grave marker
Flat markers lie flush with the ground, making them easier to maintain. They are available in three materials:
Bronze — the most common choice for private cemeteries; mounts on a granite base (base is a separate purchase from a monument dealer)
Granite — gray granite, flush to the ground
Marble — white marble, flush to the ground
Flat markers carry the same inscription options as upright headstones. The bronze flat marker is particularly popular for private cemetery placement because it is durable, low-maintenance, and compatible with most cemetery regulations.
Order surfaces VA headstone applications alongside burial benefits, DIC, and every other military program in one shared checklist.
For veterans whose cremated remains are placed in a columbarium niche — a compartment in a wall — at a national cemetery, the VA furnishes a niche cover. The cover is a flat marble or granite face plate inscribed with the veteran's information, similar to a flat marker.
Niche covers are available only for national cemetery columbarium placement. For private columbarium placement, families typically work with the facility to arrange appropriate markers.
Medallion for privately purchased headstones
Many families choose to purchase a private headstone for aesthetic or personal reasons. In these cases, the VA Medallion provides a way to honor the veteran's service on the existing marker without replacing it.
The Medallion is a bronze emblem available in three sizes:
Large (6.75" tall × 4.75" wide) — for large headstones or private monuments
Medium (3.38" tall × 2.38" wide)
Small (1.5" diameter) — for compact markers
The Medallion attaches permanently to the face of the existing marker using adhesive. The inscription on the medallion reads "VETERAN" along with the branch of service emblem. The application form is VA Form 40-1330M, separate from the standard headstone/marker application form.
The Medallion is ideal for existing grave markers
If a private headstone was already purchased and installed before the family learned about VA benefits, the Medallion allows the grave to be identified as a veteran's without replacing the existing stone. It is available at any time after the veteran's death — there is no deadline.
Placement in private cemeteries
Government-furnished headstones and markers can be placed in private and religious cemeteries — not just national cemeteries. For private placement, the process is slightly different:
The VA ships the headstone or marker to a funeral home or monument dealer that the family designates on the application
The family (through the monument dealer) arranges and pays for delivery from the VA to the cemetery, and for installation
The VA does not pay for installation, foundation preparation, or freight from the VA supplier to the cemetery — only the marker itself is free
Some private cemeteries have restrictions on marker types (e.g., upright vs. flat only); check with the cemetery before submitting the application
How to apply
For headstones and flat markers (VA Form 40-1330)
Complete VA Form 40-1330 (Claim for Standard Government Headstone or Marker)
Include a certified copy of the veteran's DD-214 (or other proof of service)
For private cemetery placement, include the name and address of the funeral home or monument dealer to receive the marker
Submit by mail to: Memorial Products Service (41B), Department of Veterans Affairs, 5109 Russell Road, Quantico, VA 22134-3903
Alternatively, funeral homes can submit the application on the family's behalf — many do as part of standard service
For the Medallion (VA Form 40-1330M)
Complete VA Form 40-1330M (Claim for Government Medallion for Privately Purchased Memorials)
Include proof of service (DD-214 or equivalent)
Submit to the same Quantico address above
Processing time
Standard processing takes approximately 30 to 60 days from receipt of a complete application. For national cemetery burials, the cemetery coordinates timing directly. For private cemetery placement, the timeline is subject to shipping and monument dealer availability.
Common mistakes
Not knowing VA headstones are available for private cemeteries. Many families assume VA grave markers are only for national cemeteries. The marker program is available for any burial location — families who chose private cemeteries can still request a government-furnished headstone or flat marker.
Purchasing a private headstone before learning about VA benefits. Once a private headstone is installed, replacing it with a VA marker isn't practical. If the family already purchased a private stone, the Medallion allows the veteran's service to still be honored without replacement.
Not checking private cemetery marker requirements first. Some private cemeteries require flat markers only, or restrict bronze markers. Confirming the cemetery's requirements before submitting the VA application saves significant delay.
Confusing headstone and burial benefits applications. The VA headstone/marker application (Form 40-1330) is entirely separate from the burial allowance application (Form 21P-530). See the VA burial benefits guide for the full set of burial programs.
Missing the Presidential Memorial Certificate. The Presidential Memorial Certificate is a separate, free tribute from the VA — a signed certificate from the President honoring the veteran's service. It is distinct from the headstone program and requires a separate request. See the VA burial benefits guide for details.
Frequently asked questions
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