Burden of Proof
Specific gravesites in a Kansas Veterans Cemetery cannot be reserved prior to the time of need of the eligible person. Families, however, should ensure that adequate documentation of qualifying military service is accessible for use in establishing burial eligibility.
At the time of need, a funeral director or next of kin should contact the Kansas Veterans’ Cemetery office.
The veteran’s name, rank, serial, social security, and Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) claim numbers, date and place of birth, and date of death should be furnished to cemetery personnel or a KCVA form 201 should be filled out and sent in.
To establish eligibility, a copy of the official military discharge document or a DD 214 is required.
If the necessary documentation is not available, the family should try to secure it prior to the time of need. A copy may be obtained by contacting either of the following:
Kansas Commission on Veterans’ Affairs National Personnel Records Center
700 S.W. Jackson Military Personnel Records
Suite 701 9700 Page Boulevard
Topeka, KS 66603 St. Louis, MO 63132-5100
Ph: 785-296-3976
Fax: 785-296-1462
The following documents may be used to establish eligibility:
- DD 214 (all branches use this form starting in the 1950’s)
- WD AGO Form 53, 53-55, or 53-98 (Army)
- NAVPERS Form 553 (Navy); or NAVMC Form 553 (Marines used during the 1940’s).
The cemetery manager, pending verification of eligibility, will then set a tentative date for the committal service.
For additional help, contact one of the KCVA field offices across the state.