How to Apply for Burial in a Louisiana Veterans Cemetery

Louisiana Veterans Cemeteries: Complete 2026 Burial Guide for Veterans & Families

Louisiana has five state veterans cemeteries — in Leesville, Rayville, Keithville, Slidell, and Jennings — plus four VA national cemeteries in Zachary, Baton Rouge, Pineville, and Chalmette. Eligible veterans receive free burial, a government headstone, perpetual care, and military funeral honors. Spouses and dependent children may also qualify.

Quick Facts

What Is a Veterans Cemetery?

A veterans cemetery is a burial ground dedicated to honoring military service members, veterans, and in many cases, their spouses and dependent children. These cemeteries provide free or low-cost burial benefits that include a gravesite, opening and closing of the grave, a government-furnished headstone or marker, perpetual care of the gravesite, and military funeral honors at the time of burial. There are two types of veterans cemeteries in Louisiana: state-operated cemeteries managed by the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs (LDVA), and federal VA national cemeteries operated by the National Cemetery Administration (NCA).

Why this matters: Private cemetery burial can cost $10,000 or more when you include the plot, vault, headstone, and perpetual care. Veterans cemeteries eliminate most of those costs for eligible veterans and their families.

What veterans should do next: Determine your eligibility using the rules in this guide, complete a pre-need application with your preferred cemetery, and keep a copy of your DD-214 with your important documents.

Louisiana State Veterans Cemeteries

LDVA operates five state veterans cemeteries across Louisiana, providing dignified burial options for veterans, spouses, and dependent children. Each cemetery offers in-ground casketed burial, in-ground inurnment for cremated remains, above-ground columbarium options, and a scatter garden for cremated remains.

Cemetery Locations

Central Louisiana Veterans Cemetery

The Central Louisiana Veterans Cemetery opened in February 2012 on 204 acres of rolling hills near Fort Polk. The cemetery includes a carillon that plays military hymns and a Memorial Walk area for reflection. The staff provides personalized assistance to families planning burials.

Northeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery

The Northeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery was made possible by a generous donation of 52 acres from the family of George B. Franklin Jr. It has received the National Cemetery Administration’s Operational Excellence Award three times, most recently in 2026.

Northwest Louisiana Veterans Cemetery

The Northwest Louisiana Veterans Cemetery received $4.2 million in federal VA funding for expansion in 2021. The cemetery serves veterans across the Shreveport-Bossier City region.

Southeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery

The Southeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery, located in Slidell, serves the New Orleans metropolitan area and has conducted burial honors for unclaimed veterans, ensuring that no veteran is forgotten.

Southwest Louisiana Veterans Cemetery

The Southwest Louisiana Veterans Cemetery in Jennings received the National Cemetery Administration’s Compliance Review Program Operational Excellence Award in 2024 for exceptional service. The cemetery is located adjacent to the Southwest Louisiana Veterans Cemetery.

VA National Cemeteries in Louisiana

The federal VA operates four national cemeteries in Louisiana, providing burial benefits to eligible veterans and family members. Two of these — Chalmette and Baton Rouge — are closed to new interments. The other two — Louisiana National Cemetery and Port Hudson National Cemetery — continue to accept eligible interments.

National Cemetery Locations

Louisiana National Cemetery (Zachary)

The Louisiana National Cemetery opened on October 24, 2012, replacing the nearby Port Hudson National Cemetery as the primary VA burial option for the Baton Rouge region. The cemetery is undergoing a major expansion that includes 2,400 crypt spaces for casket burials, a cremation field with 300 burial sites, a committal shelter, an administration building, and additional parking. The expansion is expected to be completed over the next year and a half.

Address: 303 W. Mount Pleasant Road, Zachary, LA 70791
Phone: 225-654-1988

Port Hudson National Cemetery (Zachary)

Port Hudson National Cemetery was founded in 1867 when Union dead were brought for re-interment from battlefield graves. The cemetery is approximately 20 acres and contains more than 13,000 interments. It was the site of a 48-day Civil War battle in 1863.

Address: 20978 Port Hickey Road, Zachary, LA 70791
Phone: 225-654-1988

Baton Rouge National Cemetery

Baton Rouge National Cemetery was established in 1867 and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. It has 5,126 gravesites and is closed for new interments.

Chalmette National Cemetery

Chalmette National Cemetery, established in May 1864, is located within Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve. The 17.5-acre cemetery contains 15,000 headstones marking graves of veterans from the Civil War through the Vietnam War. It is closed to new interments.

Alexandria National Cemetery (Pineville)

Alexandria National Cemetery was established in 1867 on an 8.2-acre plot in Pineville. The cemetery contains 57 Buffalo Soldiers — African American soldiers who served in the regular U.S. Army after the Civil War. The cemetery is closed to new interments.

Burial Eligibility: Who Qualifies for a Veterans Cemetery?

Eligibility for burial in a Louisiana veterans cemetery depends on the type of cemetery (state or national), the veteran’s service history, and the relationship of the person being buried to the veteran.

Eligibility for Louisiana State Veterans Cemeteries

Veterans who served one day of active duty — not active duty for training — prior to September 7, 1980 (enlisted) or October 16, 1981 (officer), or two consecutive years after those dates, and were discharged under honorable conditions, are eligible for interment.

Reservists who were called up to active duty under Title 10 or retired from the military and were discharged under honorable conditions are also eligible. Any veteran who was VA service-connected is eligible as well.

Louisiana National Guard and Reserve members: There is a state burial benefit that allows a service member of the Louisiana National Guard or a drilling reserve component to be interred with a spouse if the service member was a Louisiana resident at the time of death and received a discharge under honorable conditions.

Eligibility for VA National Cemeteries

Burial in a VA national cemetery is open to:

• Veterans who served on active duty and were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable

• Veterans who completed at least 24 months of active duty (or the full period for which called to active duty)

• Reservists and National Guard members who, at the time of death, were entitled to retired pay under Chapter 1223 of Title 10, U.S. Code

• Spouses and surviving spouses of eligible veterans (even if they remarried after the veteran’s death)

• Minor children and, under certain conditions, dependent unmarried adult children

Who Does Not Qualify

• Veterans with a dishonorable discharge

• Former spouses who are not widows or widowers of an eligible veteran

• Family members who do not meet the relationship requirements

Spouse and Dependent Burial

Spouses, minor children, and, under certain conditions, dependent unmarried adult children are eligible for burial even if they predecease the veteran. Eligible spouses and dependents may be buried in the same gravesite as the veteran at no additional cost for the gravesite itself. The spouse’s name and dates of birth and death are inscribed on the veteran’s headstone — on the back for upright headstones and below the veteran’s information for flat markers.

Burial Benefits: What You Receive

Eligible veterans buried in a Louisiana state or VA national cemetery receive a comprehensive package of burial benefits at no cost to the family. These benefits eliminate the most significant expenses associated with burial.

Included Benefits

What Is Not Covered

• Funeral home services (unless arranged separately)

• Transportation of remains

• Private vaults beyond the state-provided liner

• Obituary and death certificate costs

VA Burial Allowance

VA pays a burial allowance to help offset funeral and burial costs. In 2026, families may receive up to $2,000 for a service-connected death. For non-service-connected deaths, the allowance is $300 for burial costs plus $762 for a plot, or $762 total if the veteran died within a VA medical facility.

Important: The burial allowance is paid as a reimbursement. Families must submit receipts and a completed VA Form 21P-530.

Headstones and Markers

The VA provides a government-furnished headstone, marker, or medallion for the graves of eligible veterans buried in state or national cemeteries, as well as in private cemeteries. There is no charge for the headstone or marker, and it is shipped at no cost to the cemetery or the applicant.

Headstone and Marker Options

Emblems of Belief

The VA offers numerous emblems of belief that can be inscribed on headstones and markers, including Christian denominations, Jewish faith, Islam, Buddhism, and many others. Veterans and their families should discuss emblem options with cemetery staff.

Inscriptions

Personalized inscriptions are allowed on government headstones and markers. Examples include “Beloved Father,” “Loved By All,” or military unit designations. The VA sets guidelines for the length and content of inscriptions.

How to Apply for a Headstone or Marker

1. Complete VA Form 40-1330 (Claim for Standard Government Headstone or Marker)

2. Provide a copy of the veteran’s DD-214

3. Submit the form to the VA or to the cemetery

4. The headstone is shipped to the cemetery or the designated recipient

For headstones in national cemeteries, the cemetery staff typically handles the ordering process. For private cemeteries, the family or funeral home submits the application directly to the VA.

Military Funeral Honors

Every eligible veteran is entitled to military funeral honors at no cost to the family. Military funeral honors typically include the playing of taps, the folding and presentation of the American flag to the next of kin, and a flag detail. The service branch of the veteran provides the honors team.

What to Expect

• Flag folding and presentation: The American flag is folded and presented to the next of kin.

• Taps: A bugler or digital recording plays taps.

• Firing party: Some honors teams include a rifle volley.

• Pallbearers: Military pallbearers may be available depending on branch and location.

Scheduling Military Honors

Military funeral honors are requested through the funeral home or by contacting the veteran’s branch of service. The cemetery staff can assist with coordinating honors at the time of burial. LDVA cemeteries provide military honors and/or committal services at the time of burial.

Presidential Memorial Certificate

A Presidential Memorial Certificate (PMC) is a gold-embossed paper certificate bearing the official signature of the President of the United States. It honors the memory of a deceased veteran and is available to the next of kin and loved ones.

How to Apply

1. Complete VA Form 40-0247 (Presidential Memorial Certificate Request Form)

2. Submit online at VA.gov, by mail, in person at a VA regional office, or by fax

3. Multiple copies can be requested for family members

The certificate is provided at no cost and can be a meaningful keepsake for families honoring their veteran’s service.

How to Apply for Burial in a Louisiana Veterans Cemetery

Applying for burial in a Louisiana state veterans cemetery can be done in advance (pre-need) or at the time of need. Pre-need applications are strongly encouraged because they confirm eligibility before the need arises, making the process easier for families during a difficult time.

Pre-Need Application Process

Step 1: Choose Your Cemetery
Select the LDVA cemetery that best fits your geographic and family needs.

Step 2: Complete the Pre-Need Application
Visit vetaffairs.la.gov/pre-need-burial-request-application to complete the online application. A fillable PDF version is also available for download.

Step 3: Gather Required Documents
You will need:

• DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty)

• Proof of Louisiana residency (for National Guard/Reserve state burial benefit)

• Marriage certificate (if spouse will be buried)

• Birth certificates for dependent children

Step 4: Submit the Application
Email or fax the application to the chosen cemetery:

• Northwest Louisiana Veterans Cemetery: NWLVC-nlvc@la.gov or 318-925-5521

• Central Louisiana Veterans Cemetery: CLVC-clvc@la.gov or 337-238-6448

• Southeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery: SELVC-slvc@la.gov or 985-646-6481

• Northeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery: NELVC-nelvc@la.gov or 318-728-5921

• Southwest Louisiana Veterans Cemetery: SWLVC-swlvc@la.gov or 337-246-7096

Step 5: Receive Eligibility Determination
The cemetery will review your application and notify you of the eligibility determination. Keep this letter with your important documents.

At-Need Burial Application

When a veteran dies, the funeral home typically handles the burial application for casketed burials. For cremation burials, the family or funeral home may complete the application. The LDVA Interment Application requires:

• Decedent information (name, Social Security number, dates of birth and death, marital status)

• Interment type (casketed, cremated in-ground, columbarium wall, scatter garden)

• Spouse information (including Social Security number)

• Next of kin information

• Funeral home information

• Proof of eligibility (DD-214) unless a pre-need determination is already on file

Gravesite Locators

Families and researchers can locate existing gravesites using two online tools provided by LDVA and the VA. The LDVA gravesite locator searches all five Louisiana state veterans cemeteries. The VA’s Nationwide Gravesite Locator searches national cemeteries, state veterans cemeteries, and other military burial sites across the country.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Not completing a pre-need application. Pre-need applications confirm eligibility in advance and simplify the process for your family.

2. Assuming your spouse cannot be buried with you. Spouses and dependent children are eligible for burial in the same gravesite. Their information is inscribed on your headstone.

3. Losing your DD-214. Keep multiple copies of your discharge document. LDVA Veterans Assistance Counselors can help you request a replacement from the National Archives.

4. Waiting until the last minute. While at-need burials are processed quickly, pre-planning reduces stress and ensures your wishes are known.

5. Not requesting military funeral honors. Honors are available at no cost but must be requested through the funeral home or service branch.

6. Forgetting the Presidential Memorial Certificate. This free certificate is a meaningful honor for families and can be requested by multiple family members.

7. Not applying for the VA burial allowance. Families of eligible veterans may receive up to $2,000 for service-connected deaths. Submit receipts with VA Form 21P-530.

8. Assuming all national cemeteries accept new burials. Baton Rouge, Chalmette, and Alexandria National Cemeteries are closed to new interments.

9. Not checking eligibility for National Guard/Reserve burial. Louisiana offers a state burial benefit for Guard and Reserve members who meet specific criteria.

10. Overlooking the VA plot allowance. For non-service-connected deaths, VA pays up to $762 for the plot and $300 for burial costs.

State vs. National Veterans Cemeteries

Latest Rule Changes for 2026

• VA burial allowance increased: The maximum burial allowance for service-connected deaths is $2,000 in 2026. Non-service-connected allowances remain at $300 burial plus $762 plot.

• Louisiana National Cemetery expansion: 2,400 new crypt spaces and a 300-site cremation field are being added in Zachary.

• NCA Operational Excellence Awards: Two Louisiana state cemeteries received federal recognition in 2026 — the Northeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery (third award) and the Central Louisiana Veterans Cemetery.

• Medal of Honor gravesite protections: Federal law continues to provide enhanced protections for Medal of Honor gravesites in national cemeteries.

Common Questions

1. What veterans cemeteries are in Louisiana?

Louisiana has five state veterans cemeteries (Leesville, Rayville, Keithville, Slidell, Jennings) and five VA national cemeteries (Zachary — Louisiana National and Port Hudson — Baton Rouge, Chalmette, and Pineville). Three national cemeteries are closed to new interments.

2. Who is eligible for burial in a Louisiana veterans cemetery?

Veterans discharged under conditions other than dishonorable, who served at least one day of active duty (prior to 1980/1981) or two consecutive years (after 1980/1981), qualify. Spouses and dependent children may also be buried. Louisiana National Guard and Reserve members may qualify under a state burial benefit.

3. Is burial in a Louisiana veterans cemetery free?

Yes. There is no interment fee for eligible veterans. The interment fee for spouses and dependent children is a nominal charge equal to the federal VA plot allowance at the time of death. The VA provides the headstone or marker at no cost.

4. Can my spouse be buried with me in a veterans cemetery?

Yes. Spouses and dependent children are eligible for burial in the same gravesite as the veteran. The spouse’s name and dates of birth and death are inscribed on the veteran’s headstone.

5. How do I apply for burial in a Louisiana veterans cemetery?

Complete a pre-need application at vetaffairs.la.gov/pre-need-burial-request-application, or download the fillable PDF. Submit to your chosen cemetery via email or fax. At-need applications are typically completed by the funeral home.

6. What is the VA burial allowance in 2026?

For service-connected deaths, the VA pays up to $2,000. For non-service-connected deaths, VA pays $300 for burial plus $762 for the plot, or $762 total if the veteran died in a VA facility. Submit receipts with VA Form 21P-530.

7. What headstone options are available?

The VA provides upright headstones, flat markers, and columbarium niches at no cost. Numerous emblems of belief and personalized inscriptions are available. For private cemeteries, a medallion can be affixed to a privately purchased headstone.

8. How do I request military funeral honors?

Request honors through the funeral home or by contacting the veteran’s branch of service. Honors include flag folding and presentation, taps, and possibly a firing party. There is no cost to the family.

9. What is a Presidential Memorial Certificate?

A Presidential Memorial Certificate is a gold-embossed certificate signed by the President honoring a deceased veteran’s service. Request VA Form 40-0247 online, by mail, in person, or by fax. Multiple copies can be requested.

10. Can National Guard members be buried in a Louisiana veterans cemetery?

Yes, under a state burial benefit. Louisiana National Guard or drilling reserve members who were Louisiana residents at the time of death and received an honorable discharge may be interred with a spouse.

11. How do I find a gravesite in a Louisiana veterans cemetery?

Use the LDVA gravesite locator at la.cemkiosk.com/search for state cemeteries, or the VA nationwide gravesite locator at cem.va.gov/nationwide-gravesite-locator for national cemeteries.

12. What documents do I need to apply for burial?

You need the veteran’s DD-214, proof of Louisiana residency (for Guard/Reserve benefit), marriage certificate (for spouse burial), and birth certificates for dependent children. The LDVA Interment Application requires Social Security numbers for the veteran and spouse.

Key Takeaways

• Five state cemeteries: Central (Leesville), Northeast (Rayville), Northwest (Keithville), Southeast (Slidell), and Southwest (Jennings) — all operated by LDVA.

• Five national cemeteries: Louisiana National and Port Hudson in Zachary remain open; Baton Rouge, Chalmette, and Alexandria are closed to new interments.

• Free for veterans: Eligible veterans pay no interment fee and receive a government headstone and perpetual care at no cost.

• Spouses and dependents eligible: Spouses and dependent children can be buried in the same gravesite at a nominal fee equal to the VA plot allowance.

• Pre-need applications available: Complete a pre-need application with your chosen cemetery to confirm eligibility in advance.

• VA burial allowance: Up to $2,000 for service-connected deaths; $300–$762 for non-service-connected deaths in 2026.

• Military honors provided: Flag folding, taps, and honors teams are available at no cost to the family.

• Louisiana National Cemetery expanding: 2,400 new crypt spaces and a 300-site cremation field are being added in Zachary.

• Guard/Reserve state benefit: Louisiana National Guard and drilling Reserve members may qualify under a state burial benefit if they were Louisiana residents.

• Apply early: Pre-need applications make the process easier for families during a difficult time.

Official Resources

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