Non-Sub Edits to Form VA 40-1330 - highlighted 01-07-19

GENERAL INFORMATION SHEET
CLAIM FOR STANDARD GOVERNMENT HEADSTONE OR MARKER
RESPONDENT BURDEN - Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 15 minutes per response, including the time for
reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. VA
cannot conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless it has a valid OMB number. Your obligation to respond is voluntary, however, your response is required
to obtain benefits. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden
to the VA Clearance Officer (005R1B), 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20420. Please DO NOT send claims for benefits to this address.
PRIVACY ACT - VA considers the responses you submit confidential (38 U.S.C. 5701). VA may only disclose this information outside the VA if the disclosure is
authorized under the Privacy Act, including the routine uses identified in the VA system of records, 48VA40B, published in the Federal Register. VA considers the
requested information relevant and necessary to determine maximum benefits under the law.
BENEFIT PROVIDED
a. BURIAL HEADSTONE OR MARKER
Only for Veterans who died on or after November 1, 1990 - Furnished for the grave of any eligible deceased Veteran and provided for placement in
private and local government cemeteries regardless of whether or not the grave is marked with a privately-purchased headstone or marker.
Only for Veterans who died before November 1, 1990 - Furnished for the UNMARKED GRAVE of any eligible deceased Veteran. The applicant must
certify that a privately-purchased headstone or marker or Government-furnished headstone or marker is not present on the grave.
b. MEMORIAL HEADSTONE OR MARKER - Furnished to commemorate an eligible deceased Veteran whose remains have not been recovered or
identified, were buried at sea, donated to science, or cremated and the remains scattered. VA will only furnish a memorial headstone or marker after the
disposition of the Veteran's remains. A memorial headstone or marker must be placed in an established cemetery, and will not be used as a memento. For
a memorial headstone or marker please check box in block 34 and explain the disposition of the remains in block 33.
c. MEDALLION - Eligible deceased Veterans may receive a Government-furnished headstone or marker, or a medallion, but not both. If requesting a
medallion, please use VA Form 40-1330M, Claim for Government Medallion for Placement in a Private Cemetery.
d. PRESIDENTIAL MEMORIAL CERTIFICATE - A Presidential Memorial Certificate (PMC) is an engraved paper certificate, signed by the current
president, to honor the memory of Veterans discharged under other than dishonorable conditions. If the Veteran is eligible for a headstone, marker, or
medallion, one PMC will automatically be provided unless otherwise specified. Additional PMCs may be requested by indicating how many in block 22 of
this form.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE - Any deceased Veteran who was discharged under conditions other than dishonorable or any Servicemember of the Armed Forces of the United
States who dies on active duty may be eligible. Please attach a copy of the deceased Veteran's discharge certificate (DD Form 214 or equivalent) or a copy of other
official document(s) establishing qualifying military service. If you are unable to locate copies of military records, apply anyway, as VA will attempt to obtain records
necessary to make an eligibility determination. Do not send original documents; they will not be returned. Service after September 7, 1980, must be for a
minimum of 24 months continuous active duty or be completed under special circumstances, e.g., death on active duty. Persons who have only limited active
duty service for training while in the National Guard or Reserves are not eligible unless there are special circumstances, e.g., death while on active duty, or as a result
of training. Reservists and National Guard members who, at time of death, were entitled to retired pay, or would have been entitled, but for being under the age of 60,
are eligible; please submit a copy of the Reserve Retirement Eligibility Benefits Letter with the claim. Reservists called to active duty other than training and National
Guard members who are Federalized and who serve for the period called are eligible. Service prior to World War I requires detailed documentation, e.g., muster rolls,
extracts from State files, military or State organization where served, pension or land warrant, etc.
WHO CAN APPLY - Federal regulation defines “applicant” for a Burial Headstone or Marker that will mark the gravesite or burial site of an eligible deceased
individual as:
(i) A decedent's family member, which includes the decedent's spouse or individual who was in a legal union as defined in 38 CFR 3.1702(b)(1)(ii) with the
decedent; a child, parent, or sibling of the decedent, whether biological, adopted, or step relation; and any lineal or collateral descendant of the decedent;
(ii) A personal representative, defined as a family member or other individual who has identified himself or herself as the person responsible for making
decisions concerning the interment of the remains of or memorialization of a deceased individual;
(iii) A representative of a Congressionally-chartered Veterans Service Organization;
(iv) An individual employed by the relevant state, tribal organization, or local government whose official responsibilities include serving veterans
and families of veterans, such as a state or county veterans service officer;
(v) Any individual who is responsible, under the laws of the relevant state or locality, for the disposition of the unclaimed
remains of the decedent or for other matters relating to the interment or memorialization of the decedent; or
(vi) Any individual, if the dates of service of the veteran to be memorialized, or on whose service the eligibility of another individual for
memorialization is based, ended prior to April 6, 1917.
Federal regulation defines “applicant” for a Memorial Headstone or Marker to commemorate an eligible individual as a member of the decedent's family,
which includes the decedent's spouse or individual who was in a legal union as defined in 38 CFR 3.1702(b)(1)(ii) with the decedent; a child, parent, or
sibling of the decedent, whether biological, adopted, or step relation; and any lineal or collateral descendant of the decedent.
HOW TO SUBMIT A CLAIM
FAX VA Form 40-1330 claims and supporting documents to 1-800-455-7143.
MAIL claims to: Memorial Products Service (41B)
IMPORTANT: If faxing more than one claim - fax each
Department of Veterans Affairs
claim package (claim plus supporting documents) individually, i.e.,
5109 Russell Road
disconnect the call and redial for each submission.
Quantico, VA 22134-3903
SIGNATURES REQUIRED - The applicant signs in block 23; the person agreeing to accept delivery (consignee) in block 28, and the cemetery or other responsible
official in block 30. If there is no official on duty at the cemetery, the signature of the person responsible for the property listed in block 27 is required. Entries of
"None," "Not Applicable," or "NA" will not be accepted. State Veterans' Cemeteries are not required to complete blocks 25, 26, 27, 28 or 29.
ASSISTANCE NEEDED - Should you have questions when filling out this form, you may contact our Applicant Assistance Unit toll free at: 1-800-697-6947, or via email at [email protected]. If additional assistance is needed to complete this claim, contact the nearest VA Regional Office, national cemetery, or a local veterans'
organization. No fee should be paid in connection with the preparation of this claim. Use block 33 for any clarification or other information you wish to provide.
TRANSPORTATION AND DELIVERY OF MARKER - The headstone or marker is shipped without charge to the consignee designated in block 25 of the claim.
The truck driver is required to bring the pallet or monument to the end of the trailer. The consignee must utilize their equipment to unload the pallet or monument from
the truck. Deliveries will not be made to a Post Office box. You must provide the full delivery address and telephone number of the consignee. Please explain in
block 33 if the consignee is not a business. For delivery to a Rural Route address, you must include a daytime telephone number including area code in block 26. If
you fail to include the required address and telephone number, we will not deliver the marker. The Government is not responsible for costs to install or remove the
headstone or marker in private cemeteries.
CAUTION - To avoid delays in the production and delivery of the headstone or marker, please check carefully to be sure you have accurately furnished all required
information before faxing or mailing the claim. If inaccurate information is furnished, it may result in an incorrectly inscribed headstone or marker. Headstones and
markers furnished remain the property of the United States Government and may not be used for any purpose other than to be placed at an eligible individual's grave
or in a memorial section within a cemetery.
DETACH AND RETAIN THIS GENERAL INFORMATION SHEET FOR YOUR RECORDS.
VA FORM
DEC 2018

40-1330

ALL PREVIOUS VERSIONS OF THIS FORM ARE OBSOLETE.

ILLUSTRATIONS OF STANDARD GOVERNMENT HEADSTONES AND MARKERS
FLAT MARKERS
UPRIGHT HEADSTONE
WHITE MARBLE (U) OR
LIGHT GRAY GRANITE (V)

This headstone is 42 inches long,
13 inches wide and 4 inches
thick. Weight is approximately
230 pounds. Variations may
occur in stone color, and the
marble may contain light to
moderate veining.

BRONZE NICHE (Z)

This niche marker is 8-1/2 inches long,
5-1/2 inches wide, with 7/16 inch rise.
Weight is approximately 3 pounds;
mounting bolts and washers are
furnished with the marker. Used for
columbarium or mausoleum interment.
Also provided to supplement a
privately-purchased headstone or
marker for eligible Veterans who died
on or after November 1, 1990 and are
buried in a private cemetery.

BRONZE (B)

This grave marker is 24 inches long, 12 inches wide, with 3/4 inch rise.
Weight is approximately 18 pounds. Anchor bolts, nuts and washers for
fastening to a base are furnished with the marker. The base is not
furnished by the Government.
LIGHT GRAY GRANITE (G) OR WHITE MARBLE (F)

This grave marker is 24 inches long, 12 inches wide, and 4 inches thick.
Weight is approximately 130 pounds. Variations may occur in stone
color; the marble may contain light to moderate veining.
SMALL FLAT GRANITE (L)

This grave marker is 18 inches long, 12 inches wide, and 3 inches thick.
Weight is approximately 70 pounds. Variations may occur in stone color.
NOTE: Historic headstones (Prior to World War I) - In addition to the headstone and markers pictured, two special styles of upright headstones are
available for those who served with Union Forces during the Civil War or for those who served in the Spanish-American War. Another style headstone is
available for those who served with the Confederate States of America during the Civil War. Requests for these special styles should be made in block 33 of
the claim. It is necessary to submit detailed documentation that supports eligibility. Inscriptions on these headstone types are intentionally limited to assure
historic accuracy. For example, only rank above 'Private' was historically authorized; emblems of belief and the words 'Civil War' are not authorized.

INSCRIPTION INFORMATION
MANDATORY ITEMS - Information in English about the decedent (provided by an authorized applicant). Such items are: Legal Name, Branch of
Service, Year of Birth, Year of Death, and for State Veterans and National Cemeteries only, the section and grave number. Branches of Service are: U.S.
Army (USA), U.S. Navy (USN), U.S. Air Force (USAF), U.S. Marine Corps (USMC), U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), U.S. Army Air Forces (USAAF), and
other parent organizations authorized for certain periods of time; and special units such as Women's Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC), Women's Air Force
Service Pilots (WASP), U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS), and National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Different examples of
inscription formats are illustrated above. More than one branch of service is permitted, subject to space availability. The phrase "IN MEMORY OF" is a
mandatory inscription on all memorial headstones and markers, as required under 38 CFR 38.630(c).
OPTIONAL ITEMS - Information in English about the decedent (provided by an authorized applicant). Optional items are in bold outlines, which includes
month and day of birth in block 10A, month and day of death in block 10B, highest rank attained in block 12, awards in block 14, war service in block 16,
and emblem of belief in block 17. War service includes active duty service during a recognized period of war, and in some cases, VA may recognize war
service if the individual did not serve in the actual place of war. For example, Vietnam era war service is recognized for a person who did not serve in the
Republic of Vietnam for the period beginning on August 5, 1964 and ending on May 7, 1975; for those with service in the Republic of Vietnam, the period
of war service begins on February 28, 1961 and ends on May 7, 1975. Supporting documentation must be included with the claim if you wish to include the
highest rank and/or awards.
ADDITIONAL ITEMS - Information in English or non-English text about the decedent (provided by an authorized applicant), consisting only of
characters of the Latin alphabet and/or numbers. Examples of additional items include appropriate terms of endearment, nicknames (in expressions such as
"OUR BELOVED POPPY"), military or civilian credentials or accomplishments such as DOCTOR, REVEREND, etc., and special unit designations such as
WOMEN'S ARMY CORPS, ARMY AIR CORPS, ARMY NURSE CORPS or SEABEES. All requests for additional inscription items must be stated in
block 18, and are subject to VA approval. No graphics, emblems or pictures are permitted except authorized emblems of belief, the Medal of Honor, and the
Southern Cross of Honor for Civil War Confederates.
INCOMPLETE OR INACCURATE INFORMATION ON THE CLAIM MAY RESULT IN ITS RETURN TO THE CLAIMANT, A DELAY IN
RECEIPT OF THE HEADSTONE OR MARKER, OR AN INCORRECT INSCRIPTION.

Department of Veterans Affairs
National Cemetery Administration
Memorial Products Service

To: MEMORIAL PRODUCTS SERVICE (41B)
Fax Number: 1-800-455-7143
From:
Sender's Phone Number:
Fax Number:
Total No. of Pages (including cover sheet):

This optional fax cover sheet is provided for your convenience. This fax number is dedicated to the transmission of
applications for headstones, markers, and medallions. If you prefer, you may mail your application and supporting documents
to the address below:
Memorial Products Service (41B)
Department of Veterans Affairs
5109 Russell Road
Quantico, VA 22134-3903
The 1-800-455-7143 fax line only accepts applications for Government Headstones, Markers, Medallions and
Presidential Memorial Certificates. Applications for other Government Benefits will not be accepted.
Include all supporting documents with this application (i.e., DD Form 214 or equivalent discharge document).
IMPORTANT: If you are requesting a replacement headstone or marker due to an incorrect inscription, damage,
or non-receipt, please explain in Block 33 Remarks.
To submit multiple application packages: Fax one application package (application plus supporting
documents) at a time. You must disconnect the call and redial between each application package. Faxing several
applications without redialing between each one will delay the processing of your applications.

Form approved, OMB No. 2900-0222
Expiration Date: Dec. 31, 2020
Respondent Burden: 15 minutes

CLAIM FOR STANDARD GOVERNMENT HEADSTONE OR MARKER
IMPORTANT: Please read the General Information Sheet before completing this form. Type or print 1. DID VA PREVIOUSLY DETERMINE
ELIGIBILITY FOR BURIAL AT A VA
clearly all information except for signatures. Illegible printing could result in an incorrect headstone or
NATIONAL CEMETERY?
marker or delivery. Failure to complete each block may result in delayed processing. Blocks outlined in
YES
NO
UNSURE
bold are optional inscription items. PLEASE INCLUDE MILITARY DISCHARGE DOCUMENTS.
3. NAME OF DECEASED TO BE INSCRIBED ON HEADSTONE OR MARKER (No Nicknames or titles permitted)
FIRST (Or Initial)
MIDDLE (Or Initial)
LAST

2. TYPE OF REQUEST

INITIAL REQUEST (First time)
REPLACEMENT (Specify
reason in Block 33, Remarks)
4. GRAVE IS:
CURRENTLY MARKED
(with privately purchased marker)

SUFFIX (Sr., Jr., II,
III, etc.)

NOT MARKED
5. RACE OR ETHNICITY (You may select more than one. Information will be used for statistical purposes only.)
AMERICAN INDIAN OR ALASKA NATIVE
HISPANIC OR LATINO
WHITE
ASIAN OR ASIAN AMERICAN

6. GENDER (Information will
be used for statistical
purposes only.)

NATIVE HAWAIIAN OR OTHER PACIFIC ISLANDER

MALE

OTHER (Specify)

BLACK OR AFRICAN AMERICAN

7. AGE AT TIME
OF DEATH

FEMALE

VETERAN'S SERVICE AND IDENTIFYING INFORMATION (Use numbers only, e.g., 05-15-1941)
8. VETERAN'S SOCIAL SECURITY NO. AND/OR SERVICE NO. 9. PLACE OF BIRTH (City and State or Country)
SSN:
AND/OR SVC. NO.:

10A. DATE OF BIRTH
MONTH

DAY

10B. DATE OF DEATH

YEAR

MONTH

DAY

YEAR

PERIODS OF ACTIVE MILITARY DUTY (For additional space use Block 33)
11A. DATE(S) ENTERED
11B. DATE(S) SEPARATED
DAY
YEAR
MONTH
MONTH
DAY
YEAR

12. HIGHEST RANK ATTAINED
(Optional, but if included, no pay grades)

13. BRANCH OF SERVICE (Check applicable box(es) - must be consistent with rank in Box 12)
MARINE COAST
AIR ARMY AIR MERCHANT OTHER
ARMY NAVY CORPS GUARD FORCE FORCES
MARINE (Specify)

14. VALOR OR PURPLE HEART AWARD(S) (Optional, but if included, provide Documentation)
MEDAL OF DST SVC SILVER DST FLYING PURPLE AIR OTHER
HONOR
CROSS STAR
CROSS
HEART MEDAL (Specify)

15. TYPE OF HEADSTONE OR MARKER REQUESTED (Check one)

16. WAR SERVICE (Optional, but if provided, check all applicable
box(es)

FLAT
UPRIGHT FLAT BRONZE UPRIGHT SMALL FLAT
FLAT
BRONZE GRANITE MARBLE MARBLE NICHE GRANITE GRANITE
B

G

U

F

Z

V

L

WORLD WAR II

PERSIAN GULF

KOREA

VIETNAM

AFGHANISTAN

IRAQ

17. EMBLEM OF BELIEF (Optional)
EMBLEM NUMBER (Specify)
(See page 5 for available emblems)

NONE

OTHER (Specify)

18. ADDITIONAL INSCRIPTION/TERM OF ENDEARMENT (Optional) (Space will vary according to type of marker)

19a. NAME AND MAILING ADDRESS OF APPLICANT
(No., Street, City, State, and ZIP Code)

19b. DAYTIME OR CELL PHONE NO. OF APPLICANT
(Include Area Code)
19c. E-MAIL ADDRESS (Optional)
19d. FAX NO. (Optional)

20. ARE YOU:
FAMILY MEMBER (Specify relationship)
PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE (Person responsible for decisions
concerning burial of decedent; include written authorization)
21. I WOULD LIKE A PRESIDENTIAL MEMORIAL CERTIFICATE
YES
NO

VETERANS SERVICE OFFICER
FUNERAL HOME MANAGEMENT
(that received the unclaimed remains)
22. IF "YES" HOW MANY?

CEMETERY MANAGEMENT
(where the unclaimed remains are buried)
OTHER (Specify)

CERTIFICATION: By signing below I certify the headstone or marker will be installed in the cemetery listed in block 27 at no expense to the Government and all information
entered on this form is true and correct to the best of my knowledge. I also certify, to the best of my knowledge, that the decedent has never committed a serious crime, such as murder
or other offense that could have resulted in imprisonment for life, has never been convicted of a serious crime, and has never been convicted of a sexual offense for which he or she
was sentenced to a minimum of life imprisonment.
PENALTY: The law provides severe penalties, which include fine or imprisonment, or both, for the willful submission of any statement or evidence of a material fact, knowing it to
be false or for the fraudulent acceptance of any benefit to which you are not entitled.
23. SIGNATURE OF APPLICANT
24. DATE (MM/DD/YYYY)

25. NAME AND DELIVERY ADDRESS OF BUSINESS (CONSIGNEE) THAT WILL
ACCEPT PREPAID DELIVERY (No., Street, City, State, and ZIP Code; P.O. BOX
IS NOT ACCEPTABLE) MUST SIGN IN BLOCK 28

26. DAYTIME OR CELL
PHONE NO. OF
CONSIGNEE
(Include Area Code)

27. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CEMETERY OR FAMILY
PLOT WHERE GRAVE IS LOCATED (No., Street, City,
State, and ZIP Code) MUST SIGN IN BLOCK 30

CERTIFICATION: By signing below, I agree to accept prepaid delivery of the headstone or marker for placement on the gravesite for which it is requested, or if placement
on the grave is impossible or impracticable, as close to the grave as possible within the grounds of the private or local governmental cemetery where the grave is located.
28. PRINTED NAME AND SIGNATURE OF PERSON REPRESENTING BUSINESS (CONSIGNEE) NAMED IN BLOCK 25

29. DATE (MM/DD/YYYY)

CERTIFICATION: By signing below, I certify the type and placement of the headstone or marker requested in block 15 adheres to the policies and guidelines of the
selected private cemetery in block 27.
30. PRINTED NAME AND SIGNATURE OF CEMETERY OR OTHER RESPONSIBLE 31. DAYTIME PHONE NO OF CEMETERY (Include Area Code)
OFFICIAL
33. REMARKS

VA FORM
DEC 2018

40-1330

32. DATE (MM/DD/YYYY)

34. CHECK BOX BELOW IF REMAINS ARE NOT BURIED AND 35. SECTION/GRAVE NO.
(State Cemetery Only)
EXPLAIN BELOW (e.g., buried at sea, remains scattered, etc.)
REMAINS NOT BURIED

ALL PREVIOUS VERSIONS OF THIS FORM ARE OBSOLETE

AVAILABLE EMBLEMS OF BELIEF FOR PLACEMENT ON GOVERNMENT
HEADSTONES AND MARKERS (See block 17)

To obtain the most recent information about headstones and markers including the complete and most current list of available emblems of belief
(listing all names and graphics), please visit our website at www.cem.va.gov.
VA FORM 40-1330, DEC 2018