At American Monument & Granite Company, we understand how much your loved one’s service meant to your family and to our country. That’s why we want to make sure every veteran is honored properly. One way to do that is through a free grave marker or headstone provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
We’ve created this article to help guide families through the process—from paperwork to placement—with care and clarity.
Who Is Eligible for a Free VA Marker?
The VA provides grave markers and headstones at no cost to honor eligible Veterans and active-duty service members.
A Veteran may qualify if they did not receive a dishonorable discharge, and at least one of the following is true:
- Their grave is currently unmarked
- Their grave is marked with a privately purchased headstone and they died on or after November 1, 1990
- They died while serving on active duty
For Veterans who served after September 7, 1980 (enlisted) or after October 16, 1981 (officers), the VA typically requires 24 months of continuous active-duty service—unless they died while serving.
National Guard members and Reservists may also be eligible if:
- They were entitled to retirement pay (or would have been if over age 60), or
- They served in a federal status (beyond training)
Spouses and dependent children may be eligible for a marker if they are buried in a national, state, tribal, or military cemetery—even if they pass away before the Veteran.
Spouses and dependents buried in private cemeteries aren’t eligible for their own VA marker, but they may be eligible for an inscription on the Veteran’s marker.
Need help understanding if your loved one qualifies? We’re happy to help you check eligibility and walk you through the process.
What Types of VA Markers Are Available?
Families can choose from several options, depending on cemetery rules and personal preference:
- Upright headstones (granite or marble)
- Flat markers (granite, marble, or bronze)
- Bronze niche plaques (for cremation columbarium’s)
Each marker includes the veteran’s name, branch of service, dates of birth and death, and any appropriate emblems.
How to Apply for a Free VA Marker
Here are the steps to apply:
- Gather Required Documents
- A copy of the veteran’s DD214 (discharge papers)
- Death certificate (if requested)
- Cemetery information
- Complete VA Form 40-1330
- This is the application form for headstones and markers.
- Download it here: VA Form 40-1330 (PDF)
Coordinate with a Local Monument Company
If the burial is in a private cemetery, a monument company like ours can assist with delivery and ensure the marker is set correctly.
Submit the VA Form
VA Form 40-1330 includes instructions on how to submit the completed application—by mail or fax—on the last page of the form. If you’d prefer help filling it out or submitting it to the VA, we’re here to assist you every step of the way.
How Long Does It Take to Receive a VA Marker?
Once the VA receives the application, it usually takes 8–12 weeks to process and ship the marker. Delays may happen during busy seasons, so it’s helpful to apply as soon as possible.
Need Help Applying? We’re Here for You.
At American Monument & Granite Company, we’ve proudly helped many families honor their loved ones who served. We’re familiar with the VA application process and can help guide you every step of the way.
We also offer custom monuments and companion stones that work beautifully alongside a VA marker. If you’re not sure what your options are, we’d love to help.
We understand how confusing VA paperwork can be.
If you’d like to explore the official guidelines, you can visit the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website here.
But if you’d prefer someone to walk you through it, we’d be honored to help—just give us a call or stop by our showroom.
📞 Call us at 330-325-2500 or visit our showroom in Ravenna to speak with a member of our team.
