VA Form 27-2008: How to Apply for a Veteran Burial Flag

VA Form 27-2008: How to Apply for a Veteran Burial Flag – Honoring a deceased Veteran or Reservist with a United States burial flag is a longstanding tradition that recognizes their service to our country. VA Form 27-2008, officially titled Application for United States Flag for Burial Purposes, is the required form to request this meaningful memorial item from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

This updated guide (based on the May 2024 revision of the form and current VA policies) explains who qualifies, how to complete and submit the form, required documentation, who receives the flag, care instructions, and related benefits. All information comes directly from official VA sources.

What Is VA Form 27-2008?

VA Form 27-2008 is the official application used to request a U.S. burial flag to drape over the casket or accompany the urn of an eligible deceased Veteran or Reservist. The current version is dated May 2024 and supersedes the April 2021 edition.

The form collects information about the deceased Veteran’s service, the applicant’s relationship, burial details, and certification of eligibility. It also includes important instructions on the last page regarding proper display, folding, and care of the flag.

Download the current VA Form 27-2008 (PDF):
https://www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/VBA-27-2008-ARE.pdf

You can also access the form and additional guidance directly from the official VA page:
https://www.va.gov/forms/27-2008/

Who Is Eligible for a VA Burial Flag?

VA provides one burial flag per eligible deceased Veteran or Reservist. Eligibility generally requires an other than dishonorable discharge.

Eligible service includes:

  • Veterans who served during wartime
  • Veterans who died while serving on active duty after May 27, 1941
  • Veterans who served after January 31, 1955
  • Peacetime veterans who served at least one full enlistment (or were discharged due to a service-connected disability) before June 27, 1950
  • Certain members or former members of the Selected Reserve (Army, Air Force, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, or Naval Reserve; Air or Army National Guard) who completed at least one enlistment or initial obligation, were discharged for a line-of-duty disability, or died while serving
  • Veterans who served in the Philippine military forces in service of the U.S. armed forces under the President’s Order of July 26, 1941, and died on or after April 25, 1951
  • Veterans entitled to (or who would have been entitled to) retired pay for reserve service

Not eligible:

  • Veterans with a dishonorable discharge
  • Selected Reserve members whose last discharge was under conditions less than honorable
  • Certain peacetime veterans who did not complete a full enlistment or incur/aggravate a disability in the line of duty
  • Individuals convicted of (or who fled prosecution for) capital crimes
  • Other specific historical exclusions (e.g., certain World War I draftees or allied forces members who did not serve with U.S. forces)

If you are unsure about eligibility, contact VA at 1-800-827-1000 or visit https://www.va.gov/burials-memorials/memorial-items/burial-flags/ for clarification. A flag may still be issued based on a credible statement from a person of established character if documentation is unavailable.

How to Apply for a Burial Flag Using VA Form 27-2008?

Follow these steps to request the flag:

  1. Download and complete VA Form 27-2008 — Fill it out as completely and accurately as possible. The form is available as a fillable PDF.
  2. Gather supporting documentation — Attach a copy of the Veteran’s discharge papers (such as DD Form 214) showing service dates and character of discharge, or other official verification.
  3. Submit the completed form to one of the following:
    • A funeral director (most common — they often handle this for families)
    • Any VA regional office
    • A U.S. Post Office (call ahead to confirm they have burial flags in stock)
  4. Overseas applicants — Submit through a U.S. embassy or consulate.

When the burial takes place in a national, state, or military post cemetery, the funeral home typically provides the flag.

Helpful official resources for applying:

Required Documentation for VA Form 27-2008

Provide a copy of the Veteran’s discharge documents (DD Form 214 or equivalent) that clearly shows service dates and the character of service. VA or the Veteran’s service department can also provide verification.

If you cannot obtain documentary proof, a flag may still be issued if a person of established character and reputation provides a signed statement confirming the deceased met the eligibility criteria.

Complete all applicable fields on the form. The information helps VA process the request efficiently.

Who Receives the Burial Flag?

Only one flag is issued per Veteran. It is traditionally presented to the next of kin after the funeral service as a keepsake. The order of precedence is:

  • Surviving spouse
  • Children (in order of age)
  • Parents (including adoptive, step, and foster parents)
  • Brothers or sisters (including half-blood)
  • Uncles or aunts
  • Nephews or nieces
  • Other relatives (such as cousins or grandparents)

If there is no next of kin, VA may furnish the flag to a close friend who requests it. If no one claims the flag, it must be returned to the nearest VA facility.

Tips for Accurately Completing VA Form 27-2008

  • Use the most current May 2024 version of the form.
  • Print or type clearly; sign in ink.
  • Provide as much detail as possible in every section, including remarks if needed.
  • Double-check service dates, discharge character, and burial information.
  • Attach documentation whenever available.
  • Funeral directors are experienced with this form and can often assist families with completion and submission.
  • Keep a copy of the completed form and any attachments for your records.

Proper Care, Display, and Folding of the VA Burial Flag

The burial flag is made of cotton and is intended for ceremonial use. It is not suitable for prolonged outdoor display as it can be damaged by weather.

Care guidelines (from official VA sources):

  • Do not leave the flag outside for extended periods.
  • Handle and display it carefully to avoid damage.
  • Never add, attach, or place any words, symbols, drawings, marks, or insignia on the flag.
  • Never use the flag to hold or carry anything.

Folding the flag (as described on VA Form 27-2008):

  1. Straighten the flag to full length and fold it lengthwise once, bringing the lower striped section over the blue field.
  2. Fold lengthwise a second time so the open edge meets the folded edge, keeping the union (stars) outward and fully visible.
  3. Begin a triangular fold by bringing the striped corner of the folded edge to the open edge.
  4. Continue folding in triangles until the flag forms the distinctive cocked-hat shape.

The flag should never touch the ground or be lowered into the grave. Detailed illustrations appear on the last page of the form.

If the flag is later in good condition but no longer wanted, consider donating it to a national cemetery’s Avenue of Flags program or a Veterans Service Organization (VSO). VA does not replace lost, destroyed, or stolen flags, though some VSOs or community groups may be able to assist.

Families of eligible Veterans may also qualify for additional support:

  • Presidential Memorial Certificate
  • Headstone, marker, or medallion
  • Burial in a VA national cemetery
  • Possible burial allowance or plot allowance
  • Survivors and burial benefits kit

Learn more about full memorial benefits here:
https://www.va.gov/burials-memorials/

A helpful planning resource is the VA Survivors and Burial Benefits Kit:
https://www.benefits.va.gov/BENEFITS/docs/VASurvivorsKit.pdf

Frequently Asked Questions About VA Form 27-2008

Can I apply after the funeral has already taken place?
Yes. There is no time limit for requesting a burial flag.

Does the Post Office always have flags available?
Not every location stocks them. Call ahead or ask them to direct you to a Post Office that does.

Is there a cost for the burial flag?
No. VA provides the flag at no cost to eligible families.

Can I get more than one flag?
No. Only one flag is authorized per Veteran.

What if the Veteran served in the Reserves or National Guard?
Certain Selected Reserve service qualifies. Review the full eligibility criteria on the form or contact VA.

For personalized assistance, call VA at 1-800-827-1000 (Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m. ET) or use the Ask VA portal.

This guide is provided for informational purposes and is based on official U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs publications and resources current as of 2026. Policies and forms can be updated, so always verify the latest information directly on VA.gov or by contacting VA for your specific situation.

Honoring our Veterans with dignity and respect is important. Completing VA Form 27-2008 correctly helps ensure families receive this lasting symbol of gratitude for service rendered to our nation.