Exceptions to the Interment and Inurnment Policy

Application for an Exception to the Interment/Inurnment Policy

Below is a list of the generally required documents for each type of exception request. However, every request for exception to the burial policy is slightly different, and Arlington National Cemetery may request additional documentation.

1. Exception which requires a new grave

A request for an exception which requires a new grave will first be reviewed by the ANC superintendent and a board comprised of Department of the Army Headquarters senior executive service and general officers. It will then be forwarded to the ANC executive director, who will thoroughly review all information submitted and provide a recommendation to the Secretary of the Army, who will make the decision. The Secretary of the Army will decide to approve or deny the request based on all information submitted, through the executive director, by the decedent's primary next of kin (PNOK) or person authorized to direct disposition (PADD).
Justification for the specific waiver is the responsibility of the requestor. The Department of Defense does not conduct research to help justify waivers for interment or inurnment at ANC. A person requesting an exception for a decedent should provide factual, detailed information, supported with accurate documentation, for each of the criteria listed below. Every effort is made to process requests (once all documentation is received) and to reach a decision as quickly as possible.
Each request for exception to the interment and inurnment policies will be evaluated using the following considerations:

1. The decedent's specific military service (contributions and acts) that directly and substantially benefited the United States military.

2. The decedent's specific civilian service (contributions and acts) that directly and substantially benefited the United States military and demonstrates the manner and level of sacrifice or heroism typical of military service.

3. Whether the decedent's combined military and civilian service presents extraordinary circumstances that justify approving an exception to the policy.

4. The degree to which a decedent meets eligibility standards for interment or inurnment.

5. The degree of consistency with past decisions.

6. The potential impact of a decision, as precedent, for future requests of like circumstance or degree.

The following information is required to process the request:

1. A written request, with notarized signature, from the PNOK or PADD of the deceased providing the reason(s) why the deceased should be favorably considered for an exception to policy. All relevant information regarding military service or service to the nation should be included.

2. Documentation of service such as DD Form 214, award certificates and orders.

3. The point of contact and both a daytime and evening telephone number for questions and notification purposes.

4. The public disclosure form signed by the PNOK or PADD. Copies of the public disclosure form are available here View Public Disclosure Form or you may call 1-877-907-8585 to request a form.

2. Exception for burial in the same grave as a person already interred at Arlington National Cemetery

Requests for exception for burial in the same grave as a person already interred in Arlington National Cemetery will be thoroughly reviewed and then approved or denied by the ANC executive director.
Justification for the specific waiver is the responsibility of the requestor. The Department of Defense does not conduct research to help justify waivers for interment or inurnment at ANC. A person requesting an exception for a decedent should provide factual, detailed information, supported with accurate documentation, for each of the criteria listed below. Every effort is made to process requests (once all documentation is received) and to reach a decision as quickly as possible.
The following information is required to process the request:

1. A written request, with notarized signature, from the PNOK or PADD of the deceased seeking burial at Arlington National Cemetery, detailing the relationship between the deceased seeking burial and the person already buried at Arlington National Cemetery, as well as an explanation of why the request should be favorably considered. Particular attention should be given to honorable service in the U.S. military and/or lifetime achievements that provided significant and notable support to the U.S. military.

2. Statements with notarized signature from every living parent, sibling and adult child of the eligible veteran already interred, stating that they have no objection to the requested exception. If the eligible veteran is still alive, a statement with notarized signature from the eligible veteran is required.

3. Sworn statement with notarized signature from a third party who knows those persons who have provided the statements of no objection to the requested exception. The notarized sworn statement must list by name all persons who have provided a statement, and attest that those persons are indeed the only living parents, siblings and adult children of the person already interred.

Sample of Third Party Statement:

My name is ________________________ (insert the name of the person making the statement) and I am over the age of eighteen (18) years old.

I attest that the following are the only living parents, siblings, children or spouse of __________________
(insert the name of deceased person already interred or inurned at Arlington National Cemetery)

(list the names of all living parents, siblings, adult children or a spouse of the deceased and the relationship to the deceased):

________________

There are no other close living relatives.

Signature, printed name and address of Testator:

Notary Information

4. Death certificate and cremation certificate, if applicable.

5. Military documents of the deceased, if any.

6. The public disclosure form signed by the PNOK or PADD. Copies of the public disclosure form are available here View Public Disclosure Form or you may call 1-877-907-8585 to request a form.