Question: After moving to and from several states, I recently discovered that I have lost all of my military records – discharge papers, certificates and medals. I need the records to accompany a claim I wish to file with the VA. How do I replace them?

Answer: For VA benefits, it is not necessary to request a duplicate copy of your records. Visit your local VA facility and file the application of choice and furnish from memory information about your service. Then the VA will verify your service in the military.

However, if you want your records replaced as keepsakes, you must specify you are requesting duplicate copies and fill out Standard Form 180. The form may be obtained at your VA office or download it from the internet. Or submit the following information to Military Personnel Records, 9700 Page Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63132-5100:

• Veteran’s complete name used while in service
• Service number
• Social Security number
• Branch of service
• Dates of service
• Date and place of birth (especially if the service number is not known).
• If you suspect your records were involved in the 1973 fire, also include:
  • Place of discharge
  • Last unit of assignment
  • Place of entry into the service, if known.
• If the veteran is deceased, then the next of kin must provide proof of death such as a copy of the death certificate, letter from funeral home, or published obituary. Then that person should sign and date the request.

NOTE: National Archives Trust Fund (NATF) forms must be used to request records for veterans who completed service before World War I. Send request to: National Archives & Records Administration, Old Military and Civil Records (NWCTB-Military), Textual Services Division, 700 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W., Washington, DC 20408-0001.

About replacing your medals:

Requests for replacement medals and certificates should be submitted on Standard Form 180 and directed to the branch of the military in which you served. However, the National Personnel Records Center verifies awards, and forwards requests and verification for Air Force, Army Air Corps and Army veterans.

For more information check with your local VA facility or read the “Federal Benefits for Veterans Dependents & Survivors,” 2010 edition. Or call Military Personnel Records at (314) 801-0800 or e-mail questions to: MPR.center@nara.gov.

_______________

Russell Davis has spent the last few years aggressively seeking answers to his own veterans’ benefit questions. He’ll be taking over the Taking on Life blog every Friday to tell you what he’s learned and to help honorable military discharged women and men, their spouses, partners and others to find answers. Click here to read his previous questions and answers, or to ask him a question.

No related posts.