Veterans Headstones: VA Benefits and Private Granite Memorials

What memorial benefits does the VA provide?

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), through the National Cemetery Administration, furnishes three memorial items for the unmarked or privately marked grave of an eligible veteran, anywhere in the world:

• An upright headstone in granite or marble.
• A flat marker in granite, marble or bronze.
• A bronze medallion that attaches to a privately purchased headstone or marker.

The items are provided at no charge, but the VA states that it does not pay for placing them in a private cemetery — setting fees are the family’s responsibility. The authoritative details, current styles and inscription rules are on the VA’s Headstones, Markers and Medallions pages and on VA.gov.

Can a veteran have both a VA marker and a private headstone?

Yes, in many cases. According to the VA, for veterans who died on or after November 1, 1990, a government headstone or marker may be furnished even when the grave is already marked with a private headstone. The medallion is an alternative for veterans who served on or after April 6, 1917 and whose grave has a privately purchased headstone or marker: instead of a separate government stone, a bronze medallion is affixed to the private memorial.

Whether a second marker can physically be placed is always decided by the cemetery. Ask the cemetery office, in writing, if a second stone or an affixed medallion is allowed in your section before ordering.

How do I apply for a VA headstone or medallion?

Private-cemetery requests use VA Form 40-1330 (Claim for Standard Government Headstone or Marker); medallion requests use VA Form 40-1330M. Families usually include:

• A copy of the veteran’s discharge documents, most commonly the DD214.
• The cemetery’s name and address, and the grave location.
• The inscription details and, where applicable, the emblem of belief.

Always check the VA website for the current form version, eligibility rules and submission options, since they can change. We can help you gather cemetery information, but we do not file VA claims on your behalf and cannot guarantee VA decisions or timelines.

Why do families choose a private granite memorial for a veteran?

The government headstone follows a standard format. A private memorial lets a family tell a fuller story alongside the service record — faith, family, profession and personality. Common reasons include:

• A companion memorial for a veteran and spouse on one stone.
• Custom artwork: branch emblems, a folded flag, dog tags, a unit insignia or a portrait etched in black granite.
• Size and shape beyond the standard format — an upright, a special-shaped design or a memorial bench.
• Color: deep black granite for high-contrast laser etching, or grey and blue granites for a classic look.

Any use of official insignia, logos or artwork should follow the rules of the relevant service branch and the cemetery. Families should confirm artwork permissions before final design approval.

How can service be honored on a private headstone?

Thoughtful military inscriptions usually combine a few elements: full name and rank, branch of service, war or period of service, decorations, and a personal line such as a favorite quotation or scripture. Our inscription and engraving guide explains how sandblasting, laser etching, carving and casting each suit different artwork. Before production, you receive a design proof to check every letter and date; revisions are product-specific, so please review names, ranks and dates carefully against official documents.

Is there a veterans discount?

Yes, with conditions. Under our current published programs, a Veterans program of 10% (and a First Responders program of 5%) applies only to an eligible, verified long-term payment plan, and only one base program can be used per order. Eligibility must be verified and the program must appear in the written contract. The full list of programs is on our offers page, and the rules are explained in our FAQ.

What does a veteran memorial cost, and what is not included?

Catalog prices are starting prices for the memorial itself. They exclude taxes, cemetery and permit fees, foundation work, installation, additional delivery, Monument Service Group services, provider fees and other third-party charges. Installation is quoted separately, and only after the cemetery, ZIP code, plot, access, permit and foundation requirements are confirmed in writing. For price ranges by category, see how much a luxury headstone costs.

How do we start?

Call +1 888 248 6813, visit one of our showrooms, or request a quote with the cemetery name and the inscription you have in mind. A memorial specialist will explain which options fit your cemetery’s rules and how a private memorial can sit alongside the benefits the VA provides.