Establishing Eligibility

Arlington National Cemetery's eligibility requirements for burial and inurnment are different from other national cemeteries that are maintained by the Department of Veterans Affairs.  Eligibility for in-ground burial at Arlington National Cemetery is the most stringent of all U.S. national cemeteries. However, most veterans who have at least one day of active service (other than for training) and an honorable discharge are eligible for above-ground inurnment. Eligibility is determined at the time of need. 

Eligibility for interment at Arlington National Cemetery is verified at the time of need (time of death) and cannot be verified by the cemetery or accommodated before that time. Title 32 Code of Federal Regulations Part 553 (26 September 2016), Section 12, outlines which individuals who are eligible for interment (in-ground burial) at Arlington National Cemetery.

This federal regulation can be found here32 CFR Part 553 Final Rule (26 Sep 16). Definitions of terms used can be found in Section 1 (553.1).

 

 

Service  Member
with Honorable Discharge


Eligibility*

Inurnment in Columbarium Court or Niche Wall

In-Ground Burial (Casket)

Dies on Title 10 federal active duty (other than for training)

Yes

Yes

Dies on active duty for training only under Title 10

Yes

No

Veteran – retired from active duty and receiving retirement pay

Yes

Yes

Veteran – at least one day of active duty other than for training

Yes

No

Veteran – received Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross (Air Force or Navy), Distinguished Service Medal, Silver Star or Purple Heart

Yes

Yes

Any member of a Reserve component of the Armed Forces, and any member of the Army National Guard or the Air National Guard, whose death occurs under honorable conditions while on active duty for training or performing full-time service

Yes

No

Any former prisoner of war who, while a prisoner of war, served honorably in the active military, naval or air service; whose last period of service terminated honorably; and who died on or after Nov. 30, 1993

Yes

Yes

 

 *Reflects current eligibility criteria in accordance with the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 32, Part 553, Sections 12 and 13.