Veterans Headstones

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. For eligible veterans that died on or after Nov. 1, 1990, VA may also provide a headstone or marker for graves that are already marked with a private headstone or marker. When the grave is already marked, applicants will have the option to apply for either a traditional headstone or marker, or a new device.  

At Sunset Memorial Gardens, we set VA memorials in the flat bronze style on granite, with or without a vase, according to our cemetery rules and regulations. Niche markers are also available for inurnment of cremated remains. Alternatively, a medallion may be requested to be placed on an existing flat bronze memorial or on a crypt or niche space.

There is no charge for the VA marker itself as long as the veteran meets eligibility; however, arrangements for placing it in a private cemetery are the applicant's responsibility and all setting fees are at private expense. 

Families should coordinate with cemetery staff to complete the Claim for Standard Government Headstone or Marker (VA Form 40-1330) OR the Claim for Government Medallion for Placement in a Private Cemetery (VA Form 40-1330M).

Note: Spouses and dependents are not eligible for a Government-furnished headstone or marker unless they are buried in a national cemetery, state veterans cemetery, or military post/base cemetery.

Important Notice - New Law Concerning Eligibility for Headstones and Markers