In my research I have found if they died in battle it is usually in their military record. Sometimes in Land Grants it will say ( not exactly how it is worded, but I have seen this Mr. J.J.?? so and so is granted 50 acres for military service. (mostly Rev. War) Also, after the civil war, if the soldier has passed away, in the local court house it usually has the widow listed, receiving a pension, a very small amount. Also, as one person had said in an earlier email, in the death records at the courthouse, if you see Richmond, Staunton and they are the average age, that is a good indication he died in a battle or a well known hospital. More soldiers died from illness than from wounds from battle. A lot died of : Cholera, Congestion, Diarrhea, dysentery, Flux, these records are recorded in each courthouse from 1853-1896. Good luck in your search.