How to Get Discharge Papers for VA Benefit Applications
VA Requires Raised Seal Discharge Papers
While not always enforced, the VA manual requires that every aid and attendance application include a raised seal, certified copy of the veteran's discharge papers. An application lacking this important component can face delays. Worse, if a raised seal document is required, you may have a limited time in order to get one. So it's best to start out with the right papers.
ONLINE REQUEST FOR DISCHARGE PAPERS:
- Make a copy of whatever discharge records you have.
- Go to www.archives.gov
- Click on Military Service Records
- Printout Standard Form 180
Next, send the form along with the COPY you made of your discharge records to:
National Personnel Records Center
(Military Personnel Records)
9700 Page Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63132 -5100
HELPFUL HINTS FOR YOUR DD-214:
You may call the archives center for additional assistance. Their number and address should be on the second page of the document you printed from the archives site.
Please remember to be polite, as these people are wildly overburdened with work and they are trying to help you as quickly as possible. Do get the name of the person you’re talking with in case you need to call them back.
Most Service Records are sent in 2 to 4 weeks.
The form they need to send you is: NA FORM 13038 (REV.04-01)
Be persistent. Call for status. Follow up every 2 to 3 days. Make sure they are working on it. Remind them that you need it to apply for the VA benefit so they don't charge you $30.
A Certified Copy has an embossed seal at the lower right of the page. Often it cannot be seen, but you can feel it.
If you follow these instructions, even if the records were burned in the "Fire of '73," you'll get the records that you sent back with the right stamp on them. Generally, you get two copies. We'll only ask you for one of them with your application. Be sure to save the second one in case the first gets lost.
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Comments on How to Get Discharge Papers for VA Benefit Applications
Nancy Neel sister of Georgia Ruth McDaniel @ 5:24 pm
My problem is Georgia, my sister has demitia and not much help.
I have applied for guardianship and U of M medical has written the necessary letters to accomplish this.Her birth date is 4-22-1930 and she servied in the Air Force during the Korean war, and was under fire in Nova Soctia. I can't find her discharge papers, I need to get busy on this the court date is in 23 days and someone said the once I have Guardian ship. I do have photos of parades and I know she was discharged in Washington D.C. Where do I go to get the certified copy of discharge papers when I do not have the discharge number? Can I speak to some one locally here, in my sister's area, Westland, Michigan, Wayne County. I don't think she will sign anything at this time..
Please help me, I am 72 and trying to help my 82 years old sister. Thanks you.
Nancy Neel
34411 Fountain Blvd
Westland, Michigan 48185
Guy-Robert Porter @ 4:59 pm
Nancy: Use the link on our page for the American Association of Wartime Veterans. Contact them and they will help you. It's better that you deal with someone local, rather than in another state. Generally, we confine our activities to the Eastern Missouri area.