Military Service Discharge
Information
Eligibility for most VA benefits is based upon discharge from
active military service under other than dishonorable conditions.
DD Form 214, or other discharge documents, should be kept in a safe
location accessible to you and your next of kin or designated
representative.
Replacing Military Records
To request a replacement of your military records, use
Standard Form 180, Request Pertaining to Military Records, available
at VA regional offices or at our website at www.va.gov/forms.
Review of Discharges
To apply for a review of your discharge, write to the military
department concerned using DD Form 293. This form is available at
VA regional offices or at our website at www.va.gov/forms.
Correction of Military Records
To apply for a correction of your military records, use DD Form
149, available at VA regional offices or at our website at www.va.gov/forms.
Transition Assistance Programs
Transition Assistance Programs provide information that will
help you make the transition to civilian life easier by ensuring that
you know of the many benefits that may be available to you. VA
encourages all separating service members to contact their respective
Family Service Centers/Transition Center to determine when the
Transition Assistance briefings are scheduled for a location convenient
to you.
Eligibility
Eligibility for most VA benefits is based upon discharge from
active military service under other than dishonorable conditions.
Active service means full-time service as a member of the Army, Navy,
Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, or as a commissioned officer of the
Public Health Service, the Environmental Services Administration, or the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Eligibility depends upon individual
circumstances. To apply, please contact the nearest VA regional
office or call our toll-free number, 1-800-827-1000.
Health Care Enrollment and Eligibility
For health care applications and eligibility procedures, please
call our toll-free number, 1-800-827-1000, visit our website at www.va.gov/health/elig,
or contact your nearest VA health care facility.
Filing Claims
If you are seeking a VA benefit for the first time, you must
submit a copy of your DD Form 214 or other discharge documents with your
application for benefits.
Important Documents to Have
- DD Form 214 or other discharge documents
- Veteran's birth certificate
- Veteran's marriage certificate
- Children's birth certificates
- Veteran's death certificate
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