West Virginia maintains the Donel C. Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery in Dunbar as its dedicated state veterans cemetery. To be eligible for a burial plot there, the veteran must have received an honorable discharge or a general discharge under honorable conditions from active military service. The cemetery accepts eligible veterans, their spouses, and dependent children at no cost for the plot, grave liner, headstone, and opening/closing of the grave for the veteran. Spouses and dependents pay a reduced fee for the burial plot and opening/closing, but the headstone is still provided at no charge.

Who qualifies for a burial plot at the West Virginia State Veterans Cemetery?

Any veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces and was discharged under conditions other than dishonorable is generally eligible. This includes service members from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Space National Guard. Reservists and National Guard members who were called to active federal duty and completed the required service period also qualify.

There is no wartime service requirement for West Virginia's state veterans cemetery. Unlike some federal benefits that limit eligibility to wartime veterans, the state cemetery accepts veterans from any era peacetime or wartime as long as the discharge status is acceptable.

The following family members may also receive a plot at the cemetery, though certain fees may apply:

• Spouse of an eligible veteran, even if the spouse passes before the veteran
• Dependent children of an eligible veteran (typically unmarried children under 21, or under 23 if enrolled in a VA-approved educational program)
• Minor children who were physically or mentally disabled before age 21 and remained dependent on the veteran

Does a veteran need to be a West Virginia resident to be buried there?

Yes, residency matters. The veteran should have been a resident of West Virginia at the time of death, or have had a connection to the state through military service performed there. This is different from the national cemeteries run by the Department of Veterans Affairs, which have their own separate federal eligibility criteria. If you're comparing options across states, rules vary widely for example, Maine's veteran cemetery benefits for World War II veterans follow a different set of state-specific guidelines.

What documents do you need to prove eligibility?

When applying for burial, you or your funeral director will need to provide documentation to the cemetery office. Here's what's typically required:

1. DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) This is the single most important document. It proves military service and discharge characterization.
2. Death certificate of the person being interred.
3. Proof of West Virginia residency such as a driver's license, utility bill, or voter registration.
4. Marriage certificate if the burial is for a spouse of an eligible veteran.
5. Birth certificate or dependency documentation for dependent children being interred.

If the DD-214 is lost or unavailable, the cemetery staff or a county Veterans Service Officer can help request a replacement from the National Personnel Records Center. Starting this search early is important because retrieval can take weeks or longer.

Is there a cost for a veteran's burial plot in West Virginia?

No. For the eligible veteran, the burial plot, outer burial container (grave liner), government-furnished headstone or marker, and the opening and closing of the grave are all provided at no cost. This is one of the most significant benefits of a state veterans cemetery and can save families thousands of dollars compared to a private cemetery.

For a surviving spouse, there may be a modest fee for the plot and opening/closing, though this is substantially less than private cemetery rates. Families looking into broader burial assistance may also want to explore state veteran burial assistance available to Gulf War era veterans, which can help cover additional funeral-related expenses.

What happens if a veteran was discharged under less-than-honorable conditions?

A discharge characterized as "Other Than Honorable" (OTH), "Bad Conduct," or "Dishonorable" generally disqualifies a veteran from state cemetery eligibility. However, there are exceptions. If the discharge was later upgraded through a Discharge Review Board or the Board for Correction of Military Records, the veteran may become eligible. The VA also recognizes that some discharges during certain periods particularly during the Vietnam era were influenced by factors that modern standards would consider unfair.

If you're unsure about a discharge status, contact the West Virginia Department of Veterans Assistance or a Veterans Service Officer. They can review the DD-214 and advise whether a discharge upgrade application would be appropriate.

Can a veteran who is already buried elsewhere be moved to the state cemetery?

Disinterment and reburial at the state veterans cemetery is possible but involves additional steps. You'll need to coordinate with both the current cemetery and the state cemetery, and there may be costs associated with the disinterment and transport that are not covered. This process also requires formal documentation and approval. It's worth speaking directly with the Donel C. Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery office to understand the specific requirements and timeline.

How does West Virginia's state cemetery differ from a national cemetery?

West Virginia does not currently have a VA national cemetery within its borders. The nearest VA national cemeteries are in neighboring states. This makes the state veterans cemetery in Dunbar the primary option for in-state veteran burials with military honors. Veterans who want to explore options in other states can look at programs like Montana's veteran burial benefits for Korean War veterans or Colorado's veteran cemetery interment services by county to understand how other states structure their programs.

What military honors are included with a state cemetery burial?

Every eligible veteran interred at the West Virginia State Veterans Cemetery is entitled to military funeral honors. This typically includes a two-person detail (at minimum) that performs the folding and presenting of the American flag and the playing of Taps. Families can request additional honors depending on the veteran's branch of service, rank, and available volunteer groups. The cemetery staff can help coordinate with local military honor guard units.

What are the most common mistakes families make?

• Not having the DD-214 ready. This document is needed for almost every veteran benefit, and locating it during a time of grief adds unnecessary stress. Keep a certified copy with important family documents.
• Waiting too long to contact the cemetery. Some families arrange everything through a funeral home and only learn about the state cemetery option afterward. If burial at the veterans cemetery is a priority, reach out as soon as possible.
• Assuming residency doesn't matter. Unlike some federal cemeteries with broader eligibility, the state cemetery does consider residency. Verify this requirement before making plans.
• Not exploring additional benefits. Cemetery burial is one piece of a larger set of veteran death benefits. Families may also be eligible for a VA burial allowance, a headstone allowance for private cemeteries, and other support.

How do you apply for a burial plot?

Contact the Donel C. Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery directly at (304) 746-0127. You can also work through your funeral home, which will typically handle coordination with the cemetery on your behalf. The West Virginia Department of Veterans Assistance website provides current contact information and any forms needed to initiate the process.

Quick checklist for families

• ✅ Gather the veteran's DD-214 (or request it if missing)
• ✅ Confirm West Virginia residency documentation
• ✅ Obtain a certified copy of the death certificate
• ✅ Call the state veterans cemetery as early as possible
• ✅ Ask about military honors coordination
• ✅ Ask a Veterans Service Officer about VA burial allowances and any other benefits you may be entitled to
• ✅ If applicable, locate a marriage certificate or dependent documentation for a spouse or child's burial

The best time to get your documents in order is now not after a loss. If you're a veteran or a family member planning ahead, request your DD-214, confirm your discharge status, and keep these records accessible. Pre-planning takes pressure off your family and ensures your wishes are carried out without complications. If your situation involves understanding how veteran funeral benefit amounts work, comparing programs across states can help you make informed decisions about where and how to arrange burial.