Any deceased Veteran discharged from the U.S. armed forces under conditions other than dishonorable is eligible for a government-furnished headstone or marker. Service after Sept. 7, 1980, as an enlisted person or after Oct. 16, 1981, as an officer, must be for a minimum of 24 consecutive months or be completed under special circumstances (e.g., death on active duty.)

For eligible Veterans that died before Nov. 1, 1990, by law, VA may only furnish a headstone or marker if the grave is unmarked, but cannot provide a medallion.

For eligible Veterans that died on or after Nov. 1, 1990, there is no requirement that the grave be unmarked. When the grave is already marked, applicants will have the option to apply for either a traditional headstone or marker, or a medallion that will be affixed to an existing privately purchased headstone or marker.

Headstones and markers are furnished for eligible spouses and dependents of Veterans, only when they are buried or memorialized in a national, military post/base or state Veterans cemetery. Spouses and dependents buried in a private cemetery are not eligible for a government-furnished headstone or marker.

Veterans whose only active duty service was for training while in the National Guard or Reserves are not eligible unless there are special circumstances (e.g., death while on duty or as a result of training.)

Persons with 20 years of service in the National Guard or Reserves who are entitled to retired pay are also eligible for a government headstone or marker. A copy of the Reserve Retirement Eligibility Benefits Letter must accompany the application. Active duty service (other than active duty for training) while in the National Guard or Reserves also establishes eligibility and does not require retiree pay eligibility.