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Military Records & Documents

Your military records are the foundation for accessing VA benefits, employment preference, and more. Here is how to request, replace, and correct them.

DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge)

Your DD-214 is the single most important document for accessing veteran benefits. It proves your military service and discharge status. You should have received a copy at separation, but if you lost it or need additional copies:

How to Get a Replacement

1.
Online (fastest): Request through National Archives (NPRC) using eVetRecs or your account at milConnect.
2.
By Mail: Submit SF-180 to the National Personnel Records Center.
3.
Through a VSO: Organizations like the DAV, VFW, or American Legion can help request records for free.

Tip: Store your DD-214 in a safe place and keep digital copies. Many county recorders offices will record your DD-214 for free, providing a backup through local government records.

Use Our DD-214 Decoder

Correcting Military Records

If your military records contain errors — wrong dates, incorrect awards, misspelled names, or other inaccuracies — you can request corrections through your branch's Board for Correction of Military/Naval Records (BCMR/BCNR).

Applications are submitted on DD Form 149. Include supporting evidence such as military records, personal statements, and buddy statements. There is a 3-year time limit from discovery of the error, though boards may waive this for good cause.

Discharge Upgrades

If you received a less-than-honorable discharge, you may be able to upgrade it. This can unlock VA benefits, GI Bill, and veteran hiring preference that you are currently ineligible for.

Two Paths to Upgrade

1. Discharge Review Board (DRB)

Can upgrade the characterization of discharge (e.g., Other Than Honorable to General or Honorable). Must apply within 15 years of discharge. Uses DD Form 293.

2. Board for Correction of Military Records (BCMR)

Can change anything on your military record, including discharge. No time limit (though 3 years preferred). Uses DD Form 149. Harder to get but more powerful.

PTSD/TBI/MST consideration: Under the Hagel and Kurta memos, boards must give "liberal consideration" to upgrade requests involving PTSD, TBI, military sexual trauma, or other mental health conditions that may have contributed to the misconduct leading to discharge. This has significantly increased approval rates.

VA Discharge Upgrade Tool

VA Benefit Letters & Verification

VA benefit letters prove your disability rating, income, and service history to employers, lenders, schools, and government agencies.

●Benefits Summary Letter: Shows your disability rating, monthly payment amount, and service dates. Often required for VA home loans and property tax exemptions.
●Service Verification Letter: Confirms your military service for employers and background checks.
●Certificate of Eligibility (COE): Required for VA home loans. Request through VA.gov, your lender, or by mail (VA Form 26-1880).

Download your VA letters at VA.gov

Need help understanding your DD-214?

Use our DD-214 Decoder to understand every block on your discharge papers.

DD-214 Decoder