Essential Military & VA Documents

Online: eVetRecs at National Archives (preferred method, submits SF-180 electronically).
By mail: Submit SF-180 to the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC), 1 Archives Drive, St. Louis, MO 63138.
Emergency/urgent: Call NPRC at (314) 801-0800 or fax to (314) 801-0764 and explain the urgency (funeral, pending VA claim, housing). They can sometimes expedite.
Tip: Request your undeleted copy (Member 4), which includes re-enlistment eligibility codes and SPD codes. The “short form” Member 1 omits critical information.

For factual errors (wrong date, missing award): Contact your branch’s records office or submit SF-180 with a written explanation and supporting documentation to NPRC.
For discharge characterization changes: Apply to your branch’s Board for Correction of Military Records (BCMR) or Board for Correction of Naval Records (BCNR) using DD Form 149. This is the discharge upgrade process.
Tip: If you were discharged under DADT, or if your discharge was influenced by PTSD, TBI, MST, or other conditions that were not well understood at the time, the Hagel, Kurta, and Wilkie policy memos instruct boards to apply liberal consideration.

Online: eVetRecs (same portal as DD-214). Specify “complete OMPF” in your request.
By mail: SF-180 to NPRC. Check the box for “Complete Military Personnel Record” or specify exactly which documents you need.
Tip: If you’re preparing a discharge upgrade application, request the entire OMPF — not just the DD-214. Board reviewers look at the full record.

If you have a pending VA claim: The VA will request your STRs from the DoD as part of the claims process. However, this can add months to your timeline.
Proactively (recommended): Submit SF-180 via eVetRecs and specify “complete medical/dental records.”
Recent separations (after 1995–2004 depending on branch): Your records may be accessible electronically through milConnect. Your STRs may still be at your last duty station’s medical facility or transitioning to the VA. Contact your last MTF or the VA directly.
Tip: If you had treatment at civilian facilities while on active duty (referred by military), those records are NOT in your STRs. Request them separately from the civilian provider.

FOIA/Privacy Act request: Submit a written request to your VA Regional Office citing the Privacy Act (5 U.S.C. § 552a). Include your full name, SSN (last 4), VA file number, date of birth, and signature.
Through your VSO: An accredited VSO representative with your signed VA Form 21-22 can access your C-file directly.
Online (partial): Some documents are viewable on VA.gov under “My VA” → “Claims.” The full C-file requires a formal request.
Tip: C-files can be hundreds of pages. Review them systematically — look for C&P exam opinions that contradict your medical evidence, missing STRs, or conditions rated lower than warranted.

Online: Log in to VA.gov → “Check your claim or appeal status” → view completed claims. Decision letters are downloadable as PDFs.
By mail: The VA mails the decision letter to your address on file. If you didn’t receive it, call the VA at 1-800-827-1000 and request a copy.
Tip: Read the “Reasons and Bases” section carefully. This explains exactly why each condition was rated at its current level and what evidence was considered.

Online (instant): Log in to VA.gov → Download VA Letters. Select “Benefit Summary and Service Verification Letter.” You can customize which information to include before downloading.
By phone: Call 1-800-827-1000 and request a copy be mailed.
Tip: Download a fresh copy whenever your rating changes. The letter reflects your current status at the time of download.

Download: Public-facing DBQs are available at VA.gov — Public DBQs. There are DBQs for nearly every body system and condition.
How to use: Download the DBQ for your specific condition, bring it to your private physician, and ask them to complete it based on your current symptoms and medical history. Submit it with your VA claim as evidence.
Tip: Not all DBQs are publicly available — some are restricted to VA examiners. Check the VA’s list regularly, as availability changes. Even for conditions without a public DBQ, a detailed nexus letter from your doctor serves a similar purpose.

Online (fastest): Log in to VA.gov → Request a COE. Many requests are processed instantly.
Through your lender: Most VA-approved lenders can pull your COE electronically through the VA’s Web LGY system. This is the most common method.
By mail: Submit VA Form 26-1880 to your VA Regional Loan Center.
Tip: If your DD-214 is already on file with the VA, the online COE request is usually instant. If not, you may need to upload a copy.

Active duty and recent separations: myPay (DFAS). LES history is available for several years after separation.
After myPay access expires: Contact DFAS at (800) 321-1080 (retired pay) or (888) 332-7411 (separations) or submit a written request to DFAS, 8899 E. 56th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46249.
Tip: Download and save PDFs of your LES history before you lose myPay access. Once your account deactivates, retrieving old statements requires a formal request.

National Guard: Contact your state’s Adjutant General’s office or Joint Force Headquarters. Each state maintains Guard records independently.
Reserve: Contact your branch’s Reserve Personnel Center or submit SF-180 through eVetRecs specifying “NGB-22 or equivalent separation document.”
Army Reserve/Guard: Human Resources Command (HRC), Fort Knox, KY.
Tip: If you were activated under Title 10 for more than 180 days, you should have received a DD-214 for each activation period. Request both your NGB-22 and any DD-214s you may have.

Within 12 months of separation: Access through the DMDC Transition GPS (TAP) portal using your DoD credentials.
After 12 months: The online portal may no longer be accessible. Submit SF-180 to NPRC requesting your DD-2586 specifically.
Tip: Download and save this document during your transition — don’t assume it’ll be available later. It’s one of the most useful and least-known transition documents.

Online (free): jst.doded.mil. Log in with your DoD credentials. You can view your transcript and send official copies directly to colleges.
Air Force: Request your CCAF transcript through the Air University CCAF portal.
Tip: Request your JST before applying to colleges. Many schools have specific policies on military credit acceptance — knowing what’s on your transcript helps you negotiate transfer credits during the admissions process.

1. VHIC (Veterans Health ID Card): Issued when you enroll in VA healthcare. Photo ID used at VA medical centers and clinics. Apply at your local VA medical center after enrolling in VA healthcare.

2. VIC (Veteran ID Card): Free photo ID available to any honorably discharged veteran. Apply at VA.gov → Veteran ID Card. Requires a photo upload and DD-214 verification.

3. State driver’s license veteran designation: Most states offer a “veteran” designation on your driver’s license or state ID. Bring your DD-214 to your state DMV. Acceptance and process vary by state.

4. DD-214: Your DD-214 itself is proof of service, but carrying the original is not recommended. A certified copy from your county recorder’s office (many veterans file their DD-214 with the county) or a digital copy is safer.

Online: myPay (DFAS). Monthly statements are available under “Retiree Pay.”
Annual: DFAS issues a 1099-R each January for tax filing.
Tip: Compare your RAS to the CRDP vs CRSC calculator — make sure you’re receiving the right concurrent pay program. Many retirees default to CRDP when CRSC would put more in their pocket after taxes.

Check your RAS: Your Retiree Account Statement on myPay shows SBP premiums being deducted (confirming enrollment).
Contact DFAS: Call (800) 321-1080 (retired pay) and request verification of your SBP election, including coverage level and designated beneficiary.
Original election: DD Form 2656 (Data for Payment of Retired Personnel) filed at retirement contains the SBP election. Request a copy from DFAS if needed.
Tip: Tell your spouse where this document is. After a retiree’s death, the surviving spouse must notify DFAS to begin receiving SBP payments. Without proof of election, this process can be delayed or denied. Keep a copy with your will and estate documents.