Does the government pay for veterans headstones?
General Information. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) furnishes upon request, at no charge to the applicant, a Government headstone or marker for the unmarked grave of any deceased eligible Veteran in any cemetery around the world, regardless of their date of death.
Who is eligible for a VA marker?
An eligible spouse or other family member buried in a national cemetery, state or tribal Veterans cemetery, military post cemetery, or military base cemetery may be eligible for a headstone or marker. They may still be eligible even if they die before the Veteran.
What type of headstone Does the VA provide?
Eligible veterans are entitled to either a government-furnished headstone or marker, or the new medallion, but not both. Flat markers in granite, marble, and bronze and upright headstones in granite and marble are available. The style chosen must be consistent with existing monuments at the place of burial.
What is a veteran entitled to at death?
VA will pay up to $796 toward burial and funeral expenses for deaths on or after October 1, 2019 (if hospitalized by VA at time of death), or $300 toward burial and funeral expenses (if not hospitalized by VA at time of death), and a $796 plot-interment allowance (if not buried in a national cemetery).
How do I get a headstone from the VA?
To receive a headstone, marker, or medallion, the eligible applicant must submit a VA Form 40-1330, Claim for Standard Government Headstone or Marker or VA Form 40-1330M, Claim for Government Medallion to the VA along with proof of military service, to request a Government-provided headstone or marker.
What does BSM mean on a military headstone?
In later years various honors were shown on tombstones as follows.
| ACM | Army Commendation Medal |
|---|---|
| BS or BSM | Bronze Star Medal |
| CSC | Conspicuous Service Cross |
| DFC | Distinguished Flying Cross |
| LOM | Legion of Merit |