Planning a burial for a veteran in a VA national cemetery or needing to access military history often requires obtaining Military Service records. This guide explains how to request these important documents, streamlining the process for family members and others needing this information.
For Burial Planning in a VA National Cemetery
If you are a family member arranging burial for a veteran in a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) national cemetery and lack the necessary military service records, the National Cemetery Scheduling Office can assist you. It is not necessary for you to independently request these records. The office will endeavor to locate the required documentation to confirm eligibility for burial benefits.
To initiate this process, contact the National Cemetery Scheduling Office at 800-535-1117 (TTY: 711). They are available to assist you Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. ET, and Saturday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. ET.
For further details on burial arrangements, please visit Get more information about planning a burial.
For Next of Kin Requesting Military Records
As the next of kin to a deceased veteran, you are entitled to request copies of their military service records. Next of kin is defined as:
- A surviving spouse who has not remarried
- A parent
- A child
- A sibling
You can request these records from the National Archives through several convenient methods: online, by mail, or by fax.
Learn more about requesting military service records from the National Archives at Learn more about how to request military service records from the National Archives.
Additional avenues for requesting military records include:
- In-person visits to the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC)
- Contacting your state or county Veterans agency
- Engaging an independent researcher
When submitting your request, you will need to provide one of the following documents:
- A death certificate or other official public record of the veteran’s death
- A letter from a funeral home
Access for Those Not Considered Next of Kin
For individuals who are not the veteran’s next of kin, access to military service records is determined by the veteran’s discharge date.
Records Discharged More Than 62 Years Ago
If the veteran was discharged more than 62 years ago, their military service records are considered archival and are accessible to the general public. You can directly order copies of these records from the National Archives.
Learn how to access archived records at Learn how to access archived records.
Records Discharged Less Than 62 Years Ago
For veterans discharged less than 62 years ago, access to military records is more restricted. While you may request limited information from their Military Personnel File, obtaining the full military service record typically requires authorization from the veteran’s next of kin.
Further information on public access to military records can be found at Find out about general public access to military records.
