Form VA40-1330 Claim for Standard Government Headstone or Marker

GENERAL INFORMATION SHEET
CLAIM FOR STANDARD GOVERNMENT HEADSTONE OR MARKER
RESPONDENT BURDEN - An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.
The OMB control number for this project is 2900-0222, and it expires 09/30/2027. Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 15 minutes per respondent, per year,
including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. Send comments
regarding this burden estimate and any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing the burden, to VA Reports Clearance Officer at
[email protected]. Please refer to OMB Control No. 2900-0222 in any correspondence. Do not send your completed VA Form 40-1330 to this email 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
For Veterans who died on or after November 1, 1990 - VA will furnish a burial headstone or marker for the grave of any eligible deceased Veteran in a private or local
government cemetery regardless of whether or not the grave is marked with a privately-purchased, permanent and durable headstone or marker.
For Veterans who died before November 1, 1990 - VA will furnish a burial headstone or marker for the UNMARKED GRAVE of any eligible deceased Veteran. The
applicant must certify by checking "NO" in block 4 that a privately-purchased, permanent and durable headstone or marker or Government-furnished headstone or marker is
not present on the grave.
b. MEMORIAL HEADSTONE OR MARKER - VA will furnish a memorial headstone or marker 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. Once provided by VA, 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, the applicant must check box in block 2 and explain the disposition of the remains.
c. PRESIDENTIAL MEMORIAL CERTIFICATE - A Presidential Memorial Certificate (PMC) is an engraved paper certificate, bearing the signature of the current
president, to honor the memory of Veterans discharged under other than dishonorable conditions. VA will provide the applicant with a PMC if the Veteran is eligible for a
headstone, marker, or medallion. The applicant may request additional PMCs by indicating how many in block 22 of this form. Applicants may use a VA Form 40-0247,
Presidential Memorial Certificate Request Form to order additional PMCs to other addresses.
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. Service after September 7, 1980 for enlisted, and October 16, 1981 for officers, 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 military and burial 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 - Please attach a copy of the deceased Veteran's discharge certificate (DD Form 214 or equivalent), the VA Pre-Need Eligibility
Determination letter, 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.
ELECTRONICALLY submit your claim and
supporting documents by using Quick Submit at
https://eauth.va.gov/accessva/. You will be instructed to
register during your first sign-on attempt. Multiple claims
can be submitted electronically via Quick Submit.

If you prefer, you may
MAIL claims to: NCA FP Evidence Intake Center
PO Box 5237
Janesville, WI 53547

FAX VA Form 40-1330 claims and supporting documents to
1-800-455-7143.
IMPORTANT: If faxing more than one claim - fax each claim
package (claim plus supporting documents) individually, i.e.,
disconnect the call and redial for each submission.

SIGNATURES REQUIRED - The applicant signs in block 23; the person agreeing to accept delivery (consignee) in block 27, and the cemetery or other responsible official
in block 31. If there is no official on duty at the cemetery, the signature of the person responsible for the property listed in block 29 is required. VA will not accept entries of
"None," "Not Applicable," or "NA". State Veterans' Cemeteries are not required to complete blocks 25 through 33.
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 at: ask.va.gov.
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.
TRANSPORTATION AND DELIVERY OF MARKER - VA will ship the headstone or marker without charge to the consignee designated. 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 and inspect the headstone or
marker for accuracy prior to installation. VA will not deliver a headstone or marker to a Post Office box. The applicant must provide the full delivery address and
telephone number of the consignee. The applicant must explain in block 33 if the consignee is not a business. For delivery to a Rural Route address, the applicant must include
a daytime telephone number including area code. If the applicant fails to include the required address and telephone number, VA 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
MAR 2025

40-1330

ALL PREVIOUS VERSIONS OF THIS FORM ARE OBSOLETE.

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ILLUSTRATIONS OF STANDARD GOVERNMENT HEADSTONES AND 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.
Additional inscription is limited to
15 characters (including spaces) up
to four lines maximum.

FLAT MARKERS

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,
permanent and durable headstone or
marker for eligible Veterans who died on
or after November 1, 1990 and are buried
in a private cemetery. Additional
inscription is limited to 27 characters
(including spaces) up to two lines
maximum.

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 concrete base or slab is not furnished by the
Government, and some cemeteries may require a base or slab as part of the
installation. VA will not pay for or reimburse for this cost. Additional inscription is
limited to 27 characters (including spaces) up to two lines maximum.
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. Additional inscription is limited to 27 characters
(including spaces) up to two lines maximum.
SMALL FLAT GRANITE (L)

Spousal inscription information (i.e.,
name, date of birth, and date of
death) is authorized on a
Government-furnished headstone or
marker if the Veteran's date of death
is on or after October 1, 2019. For
flat markers, the spousal information
is inscribed at the bottom. For
upright headstones, the spousal
information is inscribed on the back.

VA will include a Prisoner of War (POW)
or Former Prisoner of War (FPOW)
inscription, upon request and with
confirmation. Character and space
limitations apply based on marker type.

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. Additional
inscription is limited to 22 characters (including spaces) up to two lines maximum.

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. The applicant must submit detailed documentation to VA that supports eligibility for a historic headstone. Inscriptions
on these headstone types are intentionally limited to assure historic accuracy. For example, only ranks above 'Private' were 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 include: 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. Space Force (USSF), U.S. Army Air Forces (USAAF), Women's Army Auxiliary Corps
(WAAC), U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS), National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Women's Air Force Service Pilots (WASP), and other
organizations authorized for certain periods of time. Different examples of inscription formats are illustrated above. More than one branch of service is permitted, subject to
space availability. VA will inscribe the phrase "IN MEMORY OF" 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 identified by bold blocks on this form. Periods
of war includes active duty service during a recognized period of war and the individual does not have to serve in the actual place of war, e.g., Korea may be inscribed if the
Veteran served during the Korean War period, even though the individual never served in the country. VA will inscribe authorized country names (e.g., Afghanistan, Iraq,
etc.) as the periods of war only if the individual served in country. The applicant must submit supporting documentation to VA to have the highest rank and/or awards
inscribed on the headstone or marker.
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. The applicant must request an additional inscription item in block 18, and each request is subject to VA approval. VA will not inscribe
graphics, emblems or pictures. VA will inscribe 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.
VA FORM 40-1330, MAR 2025

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Form approved, OMB No. 2900-0222
Expiration Date: Sept. 30, 2027
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 clearly all information
except for signatures. Illegible printing could result in an
incorrect headstone or marker or delivery. Failure to complete
each block may result in delayed processing. Blocks outlined in
bold are optional inscription items. PLEASE INCLUDE
MILITARY DISCHARGE DOCUMENTS.

2. CHECK BOX IF REMAINS ARE NOT BURIED
AND EXPLAIN BELOW (e.g., buried at sea,

1. TYPE OF REQUEST
INITIAL REQUEST(First time)

remains scattered, etc.)

REPLACEMENT (Specify

REMAINS NOT BURIED

reason in Block 33, Remarks)

3. NAME OF DECEASED TO BE INSCRIBED ON HEADSTONE OR MARKER (No Nicknames or titles permitted)
SUFFIX (Sr., Jr.,
FIRST (Or Initial)
MIDDLE (Or Initial)
LAST

4. IS GRAVE CURRENTLY MARKED
WITH A PRIVATELY PURCHASED,
PERMANENT AND DURABLE MARKER

II, III, etc.)

YES
AMERICAN INDIAN OR
ALASKA NATIVE
NATIVE HAWAIIAN OR
OTHER PACIFIC ISLANDER

ASIAN OR ASIAN AMERICAN
HISPANIC OR LATINO
WHITE

NO

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

5. RACE OR ETHNICITY (You may select more than one. Information will be used for statistical purposes only.)
BLACK OR AFRICAN
AMERICAN
NOT HISPANIC
OR LATINO

FEMALE

MALE

VETERAN'S SERVICE AND IDENTIFYING INFORMATION (Use numbers only, e.g., 05-15-1941)
7. VETERAN'S SOCIAL SECURITY NO. AND/OR SERVICE NO.
SSN (999-99-9999):

PERIODS OF ACTIVE MILITARY DUTY (For additional space use Block 33)
10A. DATE(S) ENTERED
MONTH

DAY

MONTH

MONTH

DAY

in Box 11)

NAVY

MARINE CORPS

AIR FORCE

ARMY AIR FORCES

SPACE FORCE

PUBLIC HEALTH SVC.

9B. DATE OF DEATH

YEAR

MONTH

DAY

YEAR

12. PRISONER OF WAR (Optional, but

if included, documentation must be
provided)

but if included, no pay grade)

YEAR

13. BRANCH OF SERVICE (Check applicable box(es) - must be consistent with rank
ARMY

DAY

11. HIGHEST RANK ATTAINED (Optional,

10B. DATE(S) SEPARATED

YEAR

9A. DATE OF BIRTH

8. PLACE OF BIRTH (City and State or

Country)

SVC. NO (99999999):

POW

FORMER POW (FPOW)

14. VALOR OR PURPLE HEART AWARD(S) (Optional, but if included,

documentation must be provided)

COAST GUARD
MERCHANT MARINE

MEDAL OF HONOR

DST SVC CROSS

SILVER STAR

DST FLYING CROSS

PURPLE HEART

AIR MEDAL

OTHER (Specify):

OTHER (Specify):
15. TYPE OF HEADSTONE OR MARKER REQUESTED (Please ensure marker

selection is permitted at selected cemetery) (Check one)

16. PERIODS OF WAR (Optional, but if included,

check all applicable box(es)
WORLD WAR II

PERSIAN GULF

(B) FLAT BRONZE

(G) FLAT GRANITE

(U) UPRIGHT MARBLE

KOREA

AFGHANISTAN

(F) FLAT MARBLE

(Z) BRONZE NICHE

(V) UPRIGHT GRANITE

VIETNAM

IRAQ

OTHER (Specify):

(L) SMALL FLAT GRANITE

17. EMBLEM OF BELIEF

(Optional)

EMBLEM NUMBER

(Specify) (See page 5
for available emblems)
NONE

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 TELEPHONE NUMBER OF APPLICANT (Include Area

Code)

19D. FAX NO. (Optional)

19C. E-MAIL ADDRESS

20. APPLICANT IS:
FAMILY MEMBER (Specify relationship):
VETERANS SERVICE OFFICER
PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE (Person responsible for decisions concerning burial of decedent; include written authorization)
21. IF REMAINS ARE UNCLAIMED, APPLICANT IS:
FUNERAL HOME (that received remains)
CEMETERY (where remains are buried)

VA FORM
MAR 2025

40-1330

22. PRESIDENTIAL MEMORIAL CERTIFICATE ((bearing the signature of the

current President) the number you request to be mailed to you. VA will send one
certificate if no quantity is indicated and "none" is not selected)
NUMBER REQUESTED

ALL PREVIOUS VERSIONS OF THIS FORM ARE OBSOLETE

NONE

Page 3 of 5

DECEASED VETERAN'S SSN OR SERVICE NUMBER

NAME OF DECEASED VETERAN

SSN (999-99-9999):

SVC. NO (99999999):

CERTIFICATION: By signing below I certify the headstone or marker will be installed in the cemetery listed in block 29 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 the Veteran was sentenced to a minimum of life imprisonment or a period of 99 years or more.
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.
24. DATE (MM/DD/YYYY)

23. SIGNATURE OF APPLICANT

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 impractical, as close to the grave as possible within the grounds of the private or local governmental cemetery where the
grave is located.
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 27

26. DAYTIME OR CELL
PHONE NO. OF
CONSIGNEE (Include

Area Code)

27. PRINTED NAME AND SIGNATURE OF
PERSON REPRESENTING BUSINESS
(CONSIGNEE) NAMED IN BLOCK 25

28. DATE (MM/DD/YYYY)

CERTIFICATION: By signing below I certify the type and placement of the headstone or marker in block 15 adheres to the policies and guidelines of the selected private
cemetery in block 25.
29. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CEMETERY OR FAMILY PLOT
WHERE GRAVE IS LOCATED (No., Street, City, State,
and ZIP Code) MUST SIGN IN BLOCK 31

33. REMARKS

30. DAYTIME PHONE
NO. OF CEMETERY

(Include Area Code)

31. PRINTED NAME AND SIGNATURE OF
CEMETERY OR OTHER RESPONSIBLE
OFFICIAL

32. DATE (MM/DD/YYYY)

34. STATION NO. (State/Tribal Cemetery Only)
35. SECTION/GRAVE NO. (State/Tribal Cemetery Only)

VA FORM 40-1330, MAR 2025

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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 and graphics), please
visit our website at https://www.cem.va.gov/hmm/types.asp.

VA FORM 40-1330, MAR 2025

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