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How to Request Your DD214 and Military Records For a VA Claim

If you’ve never filed for VA benefits before, you may need to figure out how to request your DD214 and military records. These can be obtained from the National Archives if you’ve never filed for VA benefits before. If you have filed for VA benefits, it’s likely the VA already has this information and you can request your records from there. Still, it’s a good idea to get your own copy of your service records.

This is even smarter so you can review your records before you file an application for the first time whether you are working with a VA disability attorney or filing on your own.

How to Request Your DD214 and Service Records Online

The easiest way to request your DD214 records from the National Archives is to make the request online. Here are the steps for an online request:

  1. Follow this link to use eVetRecs to begin the request
  2. Click on “Make a new Request”
  3. Sign in with ID.me. (If you don’t have an ID.me account see this link for information on how to set one up. This is used throughout the government, the VA and Social Security to provide you with secure access to government services).
  4. After logging in ID.me will ask you for permission to share your email, first name, and last name with the National Archives, click “Allow”
  5. You will be asked to confirm that you are the veteran, and asked whether you are looking for information about current or former military service, in most cases you should select “former.”
  6. You will be asked to provide:
    • Branch of service
    • Service component (active, reserve, national guard)
    • Whether you were an officer or enlisted
    • The reason for your request. You should probably select “benefits” but there are many choices including “personal military history, correction of records, decline to disclose,” and more. This answer should not impact your ability to obtain your records.
  7. After answering those questions you will be asked to complete your personal information. You’ll need to have:
    • Your full name
    • Social Security number (not required but the archives may not be able to identify your records without this, so it is strongly encouraged to provide this)
    • Date of birth
    • Place of birth
    • Service or serial number (if different from SSN – only for veterans who served prior to 1971)
    • Date you entered service (month and year)
    • Date you left the service (month and year)
  8. On the next page you will be asked what documents you are requesting. Select “undeleted” for the report of separation. This will make sure it includes character of separation, reason and authority for separation and other information required to determine eligibility for benefits. The “deleted” version omits this information and may be useful for other purposes but not for evaluating eligibility for benefits.
  9. Important on this same page there is a “comments” section where you should indicate any other information you are requesting. If you are attempting to obtain your service treatment records (which is a good idea if you were treated for any conditions while in service) you should complete this section. I usually recommend adding the following:
    • I would also like to obtain my complete service medical records.
  10. If applicable you may also want to request any disciplinary records, and if the place and nature of your service is relevant to any claims, any other reports that may support your recollection of key events. As the online submission states, you are encouraged to ask for any records in a single request rather than creating separate requests which may cause additional delays.
  11. Next you will be asked to fill in where the response should be sent to. If you are requesting your own records you will enter your own name and contact info here. You should make sure you enter a good working email address so the researcher can communicate with you about your request.
  12. If you are requesting records for someone else you need to upload an authorization supporting the request. If you are the veteran you may use this section for any additional documentation substantiating your request. You can leave this section blank.
  13. The final page will give you an overview of your request and the opportunity to review your responses. If everything is correct, review the acknowledgement and verification, click the checkbox to indicate that “you are not a robot” and click submit.
  14. That’s it.

How to Request Your DD214 and Service Records Offline

If neither you nor anyone in your life can help with how to request your DD214 online, you can request your military records by mail or fax. Here’s how to request your DD214 offline. You’ll have to download Form SF180 (direct link here).

This form will ask the same questions described above. You will have to do a little more work to figure out the correct office or location to send this request, and unfortunately, many of those offices only have mailing addresses and do not have fax numbers. The 15 possible locations are listed on the form. But, because of the additional delays in mailing and lack of confirmation, we strongly encourage working online to request these records.

What information can I get?

  • Your character of discharge (from your DD214 or other separation documents)
  • Your duty stations and assignments
  • Your medals and decorations (awards)
  • Your qualifications, licenses, and certificates
  • Your medical and health records

Can a VA Benefits Attorney Help Me Request Mmy DD214 or Service Records?

The short answer, yes. If you’re struggling with how to request your DD214, a VA disability attorney can complete the request with your signed authorization and request your records. Many attorneys may ask you to do this before an initial consultation, but if you have decided to work with a VA benefits attorney, they or any other authorized third party can complete the online request to help you get your records. An attorney can also help you review what you get and address and issues in your file or DD214 as well as help you strategize based on that information on the best claims to file to make sure you start the process on the right foot.

At Bross & Frankel, we are proud of our record and reputation. Most of our VA clients are referred by other veterans whom we have helped over the years. Call us at (856) 795-8880 or contact us online if you are a veteran who would like assistance with a VA disability claim matter today.