How to Get Military Records for VA Burial Benefits

Nearly every VA burial benefit depends on being able to prove military service and discharge status - which means this one document is worth locating well before it’s urgently needed.

What is a DD-214, and why does it matter so much?

A DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) is the key document proving military service and discharge status, required for most VA burial benefits. It’s the key document VA National Cemetery Administration staff, funeral homes, and benefits offices use to confirm eligibility for burial in a national cemetery, military funeral honors, headstones and markers, and other benefits covered elsewhere in this hub.

What if the original has been lost?

It can be requested free of charge from the National Archives’ National Personnel Records Center - by mail, fax, or through their online eVetRecs request system. The veteran themselves, their next of kin, or someone with legal authority to act on their behalf can typically make this request.

How long does it take to get a replacement?

Depending on demand and how a particular record is stored, replacement requests can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. This is exactly why requesting a copy in advance - as part of general planning ahead, not during an active funeral arrangement - genuinely matters.

Can a funeral home help with this during an actual funeral arrangement?

Yes - many funeral homes have real experience helping families track down these records quickly when time is short, and can often help expedite the process or work with alternative documentation in the meantime. Having it already on hand avoids that pressure entirely.

What about service members from before DD-214s existed, or with different discharge documents?

Service members from earlier eras may have different document formats than the modern DD-214. The National Archives can help identify and request the correct document for a specific era of service.

Where does this connect to other benefits?

See our complete guide to veterans burial benefits for the full range of benefits this document unlocks, and our guide on discharge status and eligibility if there’s any uncertainty about how a specific discharge status affects benefits.

Processing times and request procedures can change — confirm current details directly with the National Archives or a Veterans Service Officer.