Pre-need eligibility for burial in a VA cemetery 
You can apply to find out in advance if you can be buried in a VA national cemetery. This is called a pre - need determination of eligibility and it can help make the burial planning process easier for your family members in their time of need. Follow the steps below to apply. Please note: Pre - need means before the time of need. This application is for planning for your own burial in advance. Please don t complete this form if you re requesting burial at the time of need. Find out how to schedule a burial 

How do I prepare before starting my application? 


Find out if you re eligible. One of these must describe you: 
A Veteran who didn t receive a dishonorable discharge when you separated from the military , or The spouse or dependent child of a service member or Veteran , even if the service member or Veteran has already passed away , or In some cases , the adult dependent child of a service member or Veteran if you aren t married We base our decision of whether or not you qualify for burial in a VA national cemetery on your service history or the service history of the Veteran or service member who s sponsoring your application for burial as a spouse, surviving spouse, or unmarried adult child. Get more details about eligibility Note: If a service member dies on active duty , they re eligible for burial without a pre - need decision letter. 

Choose the VA national cemetery where you d prefer to be buried. 
Find a VA national cemetery Please note: This application is only for VA national cemeteries. If you d like to be buried in a state or tribal Veterans cemetery , contact that specific cemetery ahead of time to find out about their pre - need program. Some state Veterans cemeteries require that you live in that state or have other rules around eligibility. You can apply for a pre - need determination of eligibility from VA and also from a state or tribal Veterans cemetery. Find a state Veterans cemetery Thi

user: Hi, I would like to know how to apply for Pre-Need Eligibility for Burial in a VA Cemetery?

assistant: You can apply right now online or you can also apply by filling out an application and mailing it.

user: I don't like applying online but am willing to apply by mail. What forms do I have to completed to apply by mail?

assistant: If you want to apply by mail you will have to download the necessary forms, are you able to download forms?

user: Yes I am able to download forms on my computer.

assistant: You will have to download VA Form 40-10007 in PDF format. Once you have downloaded the form you can complete it, print it and mail it.

assistant: Is the person you are applying for able to sign the necessary form?

user: Yes he is able to sign the form.

assistant: If he is unable to sign the form for if the person is under 18 years old, or mentally unable to make decisions for himself or physically unable to sign the form a spouse, parent, or court-appointed representative may sign the form.

user: What if I have a question or need help while filling out the form?

assistant: If you need help or have a question you can call our toll-free number at 877-222-8387, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m ET.

user: What happens after I have applied?

assistant: After you have applied we will let you know that we have received your application and how long it will take to process it.