As a general rule, an honorably discharged veteran, having served on active duty prior to September 7, 1980 is eligible. After September 7, 1980, a veteran must have served at least 24 months on active duty or completed a federally ordered deployment to be eligible. There are exceptions. Members of Reserve Components may be eligible under the Burial Equity for Guards and Reserves Act of 2022 if honorably discharged after completing a minimum of the first term of service. All veterans should apply and let us determine your eligibility. Spouses and dependents of eligible veterans are also typically eligible for interment. More information on eligibility may be found here.
You are encouraged to pre-apply for interment at the NHSVC. The application process is simple and saves surviving family members the hardship of finding required documents prior to interment. Without an application, interment will be delayed until substantiating proof is submitted. After an applicaiton for interment is approved, an eligibility certificate, including eligibile for dependents, will be issued to the applicant.
For a download of the Eligibility Pre-Certification Application (pdf form), please click on the link: Application for Burial.