Veteran Documentation Guide and Resources
Understanding Military Service Documentation and Records
Military service documentation forms the foundation of veteran identity and access to many programs and benefits. These records prove your service history, discharge status, and other key details that various organizations use to understand your military background. Service documentation includes information about when you served, where you were stationed, your rank, your military occupational specialty, and the circumstances of your discharge.
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The Department of Defense maintains service records for all active duty, reserve, and National Guard members. Each branch of the military—Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard—keeps its own records system, though they follow similar standards. Your records begin the moment you enter service and continue throughout your military career. These documents become especially important after separation from service.
Service records typically include your DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty), which is the primary document proving military service. This form contains your name, service number or Social Security number, branch of service, entry and separation dates, rank at discharge, and discharge character. Other documents in your service file may include medical records, performance evaluations, disciplinary actions, awards and decorations, training certificates, and service medals information.
Different organizations request different documents depending on their purposes. For instance, the Department of Veterans Affairs needs specific documentation to process veteran benefits. Employers may ask for proof of service for hiring purposes. Educational institutions may request military records to verify military service for tuition benefits or scholarships. State and local governments sometimes need service documentation for property tax discounts or veteran licenses.
Understanding what documentation exists and where to find it prevents delays when you need to prove your service status. Many veterans find themselves unable to access benefits or services simply because they haven't gathered the necessary paperwork. Knowing about these records early helps you organize them properly and know where to turn when different situations require proof of your military background.
Practical Takeaway: Create a folder—physical or digital—containing copies of all your military service documents. Start with your DD Form 214 and gather any other documents you received at discharge. Keep these copies in a safe, accessible location and consider storing duplicates with other important documents.
How to Obtain Your DD Form 214 and Military Records
The DD Form 214 is the most important document a veteran can possess. This official certificate proves your military service, discharge status, and service details. If you separated from the military before 1975 or after 1995, you should have received a DD Form 214 or equivalent discharge papers at the time of separation. The form shows your full name, service number, Social Security number, dates of active duty, rank, branch of service, discharge character, and reason for discharge.
If you don't have a copy of your DD Form 214, you can request it through the National Archives Records Administration (NARA). The process involves completing Standard Form 180 (Request Pertaining to Military Records) or submitting a request online through the Veterans' Military Records system. You'll need to provide your full name, date of birth, service number or Social Security number, and branch of service. The National Archives processes these requests and mails copies directly to you. Processing typically takes several weeks.
For those who served more recently, the National Personnel Records Center maintains your complete military file. You can request records through ebenefits.va.gov or by submitting Form SF-180 by mail. Online requests through the VA's website often receive faster processing than mail requests. The system allows you to track your request status and typically delivers results within 7 to 30 business days for online submissions.
State-based alternatives also exist for many veterans. Some state veterans offices maintain copies of DD Forms 214 for veterans who served and separated in that state. State departments of veteran affairs can sometimes provide certified copies more quickly than the federal system. Contact your state veterans office to ask whether they maintain these records and how to request them.
Additionally, the VA's Veterans Health Administration and Veterans Benefits Administration both maintain records on file. If you've previously worked with the VA for healthcare or benefits, they may already have your service documentation. You can contact your local VA office to see whether they have your records on file and whether they can provide copies.
Practical Takeaway: Start by checking whether you have your original DD Form 214 in your personal files. If not, visit ebenefits.va.gov to request it online—this method is typically faster and allows you to monitor progress. Keep several certified copies once you receive them, as you may need them for multiple purposes.
Medical Records and Healthcare Documentation
Military medical records document your health history during active duty and are separate from your DD Form 214. These records contain physical examination results, immunizations, treatments for injuries or illnesses, dental work, mental health evaluations, and any medical conditions noted during service. Medical records become particularly important when you're filing claims with the VA for service-connected conditions or seeking healthcare benefits.
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The VA needs medical documentation to connect current health conditions to your military service. This is called "service connection." For instance, if you developed hearing loss during your military service, a medical record showing normal hearing at entry and diminished hearing at separation helps prove the condition is service-connected. Similarly, combat-related injuries documented during service can support disability claims filed years later.
Medical records from your military service are stored at the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis, Missouri. You can request them using Standard Form 180 or through the VA's online system. The request process is the same as requesting your DD Form 214, and you can request medical records at the same time. However, some older records—particularly from before 1975—may have been lost in a 1973 fire at the facility, and replacements may be incomplete.
Veterans who received treatment through the VA after service have easier access to medical records. The VA's electronic health record system (VAERS) contains documentation of all VA healthcare provided. You can obtain copies through your VA medical facility, your VA regional office, or through VA.gov's online portal. These records are particularly valuable because they may contain service-connected condition information already documented in the VA system.
If you're unable to locate complete medical records from your service period, the VA can work with partial documentation. You can provide medical evidence from civilian healthcare providers who treated you for conditions you believe are service-connected. Buddy statements from fellow service members who witnessed injuries or illnesses during service can also support claims. The VA evaluates all available evidence when determining service connection.
Practical Takeaway: Request your military medical records at the same time you request your DD Form 214. If you've received VA healthcare, also request all VA medical records related to service-connected conditions. Organize all medical documentation—military and civilian—by date and condition to make it easier to reference when needed.
Discharge Documentation and Character of Discharge
Your discharge character is a critical piece of documentation that affects your access to virtually all veteran benefits and programs. The character of discharge is a rating of your military conduct and performance at the time you left service. The main discharge categories are Honorable, General (Under Honorable Conditions), Other Than Honorable, Bad Conduct, and Dishonorable. The character of your discharge appears on your DD Form 214 and significantly impacts your options.
An Honorable Discharge is the highest discharge status and indicates you served with honor and integrity. Veterans with Honorable Discharges have full access to VA benefits, can join veteran organizations, and have the easiest time with employment and education verification. A General Discharge (Under Honorable Conditions) is similar to an Honorable Discharge but may indicate minor conduct issues during service. Most VA benefits remain available with a General Discharge, though some federal benefits may be limited.
Discharges classified as Other Than Honorable, Bad Conduct, or Dishonorable are characterized as unfavorable discharges. These discharge characters typically restrict access to VA benefits and may create barriers to employment, housing, and education benefits. However, the VA recognizes that discharge characters assigned many years ago may not reflect current circumstances. Veterans with unfavorable discharges have options to challenge or upgrade their discharge character through formal processes.
The Discharge Review Board (DRB) and the Board for Correction of Military Records (BCMR) hear cases from veterans seeking discharge upgrades. These boards accept applications many years after discharge and consider new evidence, changed circumstances, and errors in the original discharge proceedings. While not every application succeeds, many veterans find the process worthwhile, particularly if their discharge involved administrative errors or if they can provide new evidence regarding the original circumstances.
This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.