GRAVE Act

The GRAVE Act (HR 4928) expands eligibility for Department of Veterans Affairs headstones or grave markers to include members or former members of a Reserve component who are not classified as veterans solely because they did not meet the active-duty service requirements under current law (section 5303A of Title 38). Currently, reservists who served in the reserves but fell short of the active-duty minimum are excluded from this benefit, even if they completed qualifying reserve service. The bill amends a specific provision of federal law to redefine who qualifies for this honor, directly affecting reservists who have served but lack the required active-duty time. This change ensures these individuals receive the same burial recognition as other veterans without requiring additional active-duty service.