The key to unlocking all veteran benefits is your DD214.
Why is a DD214 important?
The Report of Separation contains information normally needed to verify military service for benefits, retirement, employment, and membership in veterans' organizations. Information shown on the Report of Separation may include the service member's:
There are just three (3) methods to acquire either your DD214 and/or your complete personnel file (known as your 201 File). They are:
|
Method |
Time Required |
|
Free DD214 Record Retrieval |
Several Weeks to Several Months |
|
Hire “Someone Else” to apply for your DD214 |
Several Weeks to Several Months |
|
Hire a research company to get your DD214 |
Same Day, Next Day to One Week (or longer) but quality, speed, reliability and business-reputation of firms varies |
Post 40 makes no recommendation but services may be googled at DD214