National Cemeteries:
Most National Cemeteries are full or sold out (Bakersfield, Sacramento, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Riverside - are the main ones in CA).
VA burial benefits are not automatic; must be requested and are usually only available at ‘At-Need’ only. You can apply directly with the Department of Veterans Affairs here.
Documentation is required - DD214
VA does not cover all costs associated with funeral & cemetery arrangements.
Casket only covered for death on active duty
What the VA offers for service-related death:
Free plot in National Cemetery
Free plot for eligible Veteran’s Spouse and Children
Free marker – Per gov’t regulations: Order Form Here
Free liner – concrete vault (only in National cemetery)
US Flag & Presidential Certificate
Military Honors
Service-related Death
VA will pay up to $2,000 toward burial expenses for deaths on or after September 11, 2001, or up to $1,500 for deaths prior to September 11, 2001. If the Veteran is buried in a VA national cemetery, some or all of the cost of transporting the deceased may be reimbursed.
Non-service-related Death
VA will pay up to $796 toward burial and funeral expenses for deaths on or after October 1, 2019 (if hospitalized by VA at time of death), or $300 toward burial and funeral expenses (if not hospitalized by VA at time of death), and a $796 plot-interment allowance (if not buried in a national cemetery). For deaths on or after December 1, 2001, but before October 1, 2011, VA will pay up to $300 toward burial and funeral expenses and a $300 plot-interment allowance. For deaths on or after April 1, 1988 but before October 1, 2011, VA will pay $300 toward burial and funeral expenses (for Veterans hospitalized by VA at the time of death).
source: https://www.benefits.va.gov/compensation/claims-special-burial.asp