How do I get a copy of my discharge papers?
In Delaware, veterans must submit a DD Form 214 to receive benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). To get a copy of your discharge papers, you must first contact the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC). This is the branch of the National Archives and Records Administration that maintains military service records. To obtain a copy of these documents, veterans must first complete a Standard Form 180 (SF-180), which can be downloaded from the VA website. Once completed, veterans should send the SF-180 to the NPRC. The NPRC will then send a copy of the documents to the veterans within 10 to 12 weeks. If the veteran is unable to obtain their discharge papers through the NPRC, they can contact their state VA office. This office will be able to provide assistance with obtaining the documents. Additionally, the County Veterans Service Officer (CVSO) can often provide assistance in obtaining discharge papers, which is especially valuable if the veteran is unable to contact the NPRC. If the veteran served prior to 1958, a copy of the discharge papers may be available at the County Clerk’s office. Finally, if the veteran served after 1994, they can contact the local branch of the United States Navy, as the Navy is responsible for maintaining records for veterans employed since this date. Ultimately, obtaining a copy of your discharge papers is important for receiving veterans benefits in Delaware. By contacting the NPRC, state VA office, the CVSO, or the Navy, veterans can obtain the necessary documents to access these benefits.
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