The DD214 is a document that is all too often overlooked by Veterans. Also known as the Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, your DD214 summarizes your entire military service. But it is more than just a piece of paper. It is more than just a record of your service. It's the key to unlocking the VA benefits you have rightfully earned, and it is especially essential for winning a VA disability claim.
The VA says “we require certain documents to support all claims for disability benefits.
You’ll need to submit or give us permission to gather these:
- Your DD214 or other separation documents
- Your service treatment records
- Any medical evidence related to your illness or injury (like doctors’ reports, X-rays, and medical test results).”
Your DD214, includes vital information such as:
- Service Dates: Confirms eligibility for VA disability benefits based on when you served on active duty.
- Rank at the Time of Your Discharge
- Type of Discharge: An honorable discharge is typically required for most VA benefits, so your type of discharge will determine whether you qualify for disability benefits.
- Military Occupational Specialty (MOS): Your MOS can be a link between your service and any disabilities you are dealing with.
- Service-Connected Injuries or Conditions: Any injuries or medical conditions noted in your service record can bolster your disability claim.
The DD214 is likely the first piece of evidence the VA will look for when considering your disability claim. If this document is missing, incomplete, or incorrect, it can delay your benefits or even result in a denial.
If you are missing your DD214, you can request a copy from the National Archives by mail, fax, or online.
Before you just toss your DD214 in a drawer, you should carefully review the form to ensure that every detail in the document is correct. Common errors that we see crop up in DD214s include incorrect discharge status (as we pointed out an error here can make you ineligible for VA benefits), missing awards or decorations which can support your claims of experiences or exposures related to your disabilities, and errors in service dates or assignments.
If you uncover errors on your DD214, you can request that the VA correct them, by filing a DD215. VA.gov advises those who need to correct their military records using DD Form 215 to access the form via MilConnect, which requires a DS (Department of Defense Self-Service) Logon. (The VA says, “Soon all VA websites will follow a new sign-in process with Login.gov as the recommended account. We encourage you to create a Login.gov account now. You can also choose to create an ID.me account.”)
It is also worth noting that your DD214 is not only essential for a disability claim, but it is also required to access a whole range of Veteran benefits like GI Bill education benefits, VA home loans, re-enlistment eligibility, federal employment opportunities, and Veteran-owned business benefits. And when a Veteran passes away, family members will need the DD214 to obtain VA survivor and dependent benefits, and for funerals or burials at VA national cemeteries.
Improve your chances of getting disability benefits by ensuring that you have a copy of your DD214 and that it is accurate. You can also strengthen your claim by hiring an experienced professional—an accredited VA attorney—to help fill out the forms, order medical records, and advocate on your behalf.
It is easy to get started, call or email us at Cuddigan Law for a free evaluation of your case. We will help you throughout the entire process and present the strongest case possible case to get you the benefits you have rightfully earned. And we only get paid when you win your claim.
At Cuddigan Law you have a dedicated team of professionals in your corner who understand the system and who will fight for your rights.
