VA40-1330 Claim for Standard Government Headstone or Marker

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 response (per OMB guidance) 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
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 headstore 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
If you prefer, you may
FAX VA Form 40-1330 claims and supporting documents
supporting documents by using Quick Submit
MAIL claims to: NCA FP Evidence Intake Center
to 1-800-455-7143.
at access.va.gov. You will be instructed to
PO Box 5237
IMPORTANT: If faxing more than one claim - fax each
register during your first sign-on attempt. Multiple claims
Janesville, WI 53547
claim package (claim plus supporting documents) individually,
can be submitted electronically via Quick Submit.
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
AUG 2022

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.
Additional
inscription is limited to 15 characters
(including spaces) up to four lines
maximum.

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 Governmentfurnished 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 27 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.

Form approved, OMB No. 2900-0222
Expiration Date: Sept. 30, 2024
Respondent Burden: 15 minutes

CLAIM FOR STANDARD GOVERNMENT HEADSTONE OR MARKER
2. CHECK BOX IF REMAINS ARE NOT
IMPORTANT: Please read the General Information Sheet before completing this form. Type or print 1. TYPE OF REQUEST
BURIED AND EXPLAIN IN BLOCK 33
INITIAL REQUEST
clearly all information except for signatures. Illegible printing could result in an incorrect headstone or
(e.g., buried at sea, remains scattered, etc.)
(First time)
marker or delivery. Failure to complete each block may result in delayed processing. Blocks outlined in
REPLACEMENT (Specify
REMAINS NOT BURIED
bold are optional inscription items. PLEASE INCLUDE MILITARY DISCHARGE DOCUMENTS.
reason in Block 33, Remarks)
3. NAME OF DECEASED TO BE INSCRIBED ON HEADSTONE OR MARKER (No Nicknames or titles permitted)
MIDDLE (Or Initial)
LAST
FIRST (Or Initial)

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

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

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

NO

6. SEX (Information will be used for statistical purposes only.)
UNSPECIFIED OR ANOTHER
GENDER IDENTITY

MALE
FEMALE

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

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

9A. DATE OF BIRTH
MONTH

DAY

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

YEAR

15. TYPE OF HEADSTONE OR MARKER REQUESTED (Please ensure marker
selection is permitted at selected cemetery.) (Check one)
FLAT
UPRIGHT
FLAT
BRONZE UPRIGHT SMALL FLAT
FLAT
NICHE
GRANITE
GRANITE
BRONZE GRANITE MARBLE MARBLE
B

G

U

F

Z

V

L

DAY

YEAR

12. PRISONER OF WAR (Optional, but if
included, documentation must be provided)
POW

13. BRANCH OF SERVICE (Check applicable box(es) - must be consistent with rank in Box 11)
PUBLIC OTHER
ARMY NAVY MARINE COAST AIR ARMY AIR MERCHANT SPACE HEALTH (Specify)
CORPS GUARD FORCE FORCES MARINE FORCE
SVC.

9B. DATE OF DEATH
MONTH

FORMER POW (FPOW)

14. VALOR OR PURPLE HEART AWARD(S) (Optional, but if included, documentation must be provided)

MEDAL OF DST SVC SILVER DST FLYING PURPLE AIR OTHER
HONOR
CROSS STAR
HEART MEDAL (Specify)
CROSS

16. PERIODS OF WAR (Optional, but if included, check all applicable box(es) 17. EMBLEM OF BELIEF (Optional)
WORLD WAR II
PERSIAN GULF
EMBLEM NUMBER (Specify)
(See page 5 for available emblems)
KOREA
AFGHANISTAN
VIETNAM

IRAQ
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 TELEPHONE NUMBER OF APPLICANT
(Include Area Code)
19c. E-MAIL ADDRESS (Optional)
19d. FAX NO. (Optional)

20. APPLICANT IS:
VETERANS SERVICE
OFFICER

FAMILY MEMBER (Specify relationship)
21. IF REMAINS ARE UNCLAIMED, APPLICANT IS:
FUNERAL HOME
(that received remains)

CEMETERY
(where remains are buried)

PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE (Person responsible for decisions
concerning burial of decedent; include written authorization)

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

NONE

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.
23. SIGNATURE OF APPLICANT
24. DATE (MM/DD/YYYY)

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 26. DAYTIME OR CELL
WILL ACCEPT PREPAID DELIVERY (No., Street, City, State, and ZIP Code;
PHONE NO. OF
P.O. BOX IS NOT ACCEPTABLE) MUST SIGN IN BLOCK 27
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

VA FORM
AUG 2022

40-1330

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

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
and graphics), please visit our website at www.cem.va.gov.
VA FORM 40-1330, AUG 2022