BURIAL ELIGIBILITY

California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet) determines eligibility for burial in a state veterans cemetery in accordance with U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (USDVA) requirements for National Veterans Cemeteries. Veterans, service members, spouses, and dependents may be eligible for burial as well as other benefits. Generally, a veteran who died on active duty, or served on active duty (other than for training) and was discharged under conditions other than dishonorable is eligible. For a full eligibility criteria list please refer to the FAQ on eligibility below.

Getting an Eligibility Determination

The Eligibility for Burial Benefits Determination (VSD-002) is required to determine if you are a loved can be interned in a California State Cemetery. There is no cost for this determination and it does not obligate the veteran to be buried at the cemetery. Eligibility determinations shall be made in accordance with federal regulations (38 CFR 38.620) and state regulations (CCR, Title 12, Sections 460-461). Veterans or their families can apply at the time of need or on a pre-need basis.

Pre-Need Determination

Pre-need determination allows a veteran and his/her family to establish eligibility in advance and is intended to simplify and assist the veteran's next-of-kin at the time of death. Please contact the CalVet Cemetery office for more information.

Other Resources

Vase Purchase Form
Download Form

Protocol for Scheduling and Burial Services
Download Information Packet

Request for Disinterment
Download Form VSD-003