VA letters and military records: how to get them

Q: How do I get my VA benefit summary letter?

Sign in to VA.gov and download it from the VA letters page. For help, call MyVA411 at 800-698-2411.

A veteran's family needs proof of service and proof of benefits, and both can be downloaded or requested for free. The VA benefit summary letter comes from VA.gov in minutes. Military records come from the National Archives or milConnect. And if a veteran dies with a claim still open, a spouse or child generally has one year to step in.

The VA benefit summary letter

Sign in to VA.gov to download the VA Benefit Summary Letter, sometimes called the award letter, and other letters you qualify for: service history and disability compensation, proof of VA income, service verification, health benefits and more. VA asks you to review your address first, and the letter is valid even if the address is out of date. Help: MyVA411 at 800-698-2411 (TTY 711). Source: VA.gov, download VA benefit letters.

Decision letters and claim status

The VA.gov claim status tool shows where a claim, decision review or appeal is, lets you upload evidence for an initial claim, and lets you download decision letters for disability, pension, burial and DIC claims. Documents sent by mail, fax or in person may not show up online. Sources: VA.gov, check your claim or appeal status, VA.gov, download VA benefit letters.

If a veteran dies with a claim still open

A surviving spouse, child or dependent parent can ask to take the veteran's place in a pending claim or appeal. This is called substitution, and the request must reach VA no later than one year after the death. Use VA Form 21P-0847, or ask online. Benefits that were owed but not yet paid (accrued benefits) also have a one-year deadline, and a claim for DIC or survivors pension counts as a claim for them too. Sources: 38 CFR §3.1010, substitution, 38 CFR §3.1000, accrued benefits, VA Form 21P-0847, substitution of claimant.

The VA health ID card

The Veteran Health Identification Card is the photo ID used to check in at VA health care appointments. The veteran must be enrolled in VA health care first. Request it once, either in person at a VA medical center through the enrollment coordinator, or online through AccessVA. Source: VA.gov, Veteran Health Identification Card.

Military records, including orders

A veteran can request the DD214 and other records, like awards, performance reports and orders. Those discharged after certain dates (Army after October 1, 2002; Air Force after October 1, 2004; Marines after January 1, 1999; Navy after January 1, 1995) can use milConnect. Others request from the National Archives online or with Standard Form 180. See how to get your DD214. Sources: VA.gov, get your military service records, National Archives, military personnel records (NPRC).

If the veteran has died, the next of kin can request the records: a surviving spouse who hasn't remarried, a parent, a child or a sibling. Include a copy of the death certificate or a letter from the funeral home. Source: VA.gov, get your military service records.

Call a Veterans Service Officer first

An accredited Veterans Service Organization representative can help file claims, request decision reviews and handle substitution, and their help on VA claims is always free. VA has a search tool to find one near you. Source: VA.gov, get help from an accredited representative or VSO.

What to keep together

[ ] DD214, and any retirement orders
[ ] VA benefit summary letter
[ ] Decision letters, with the disability rating
[ ] Any open claim or appeal, and its date
[ ] VA health ID card, and the main VA clinic and care team
[ ] The name and phone of the Veterans Service Officer
[ ] Marriage and birth certificates for the spouse and children

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Frequently asked questions

How do I get my VA benefit summary letter?

What happens to a VA claim when the veteran dies?

A spouse, child or dependent parent can ask to substitute in the claim. The request must reach VA within one year of the death.

Can family request a deceased veteran's military records?

Yes. The next of kin (an unremarried spouse, parent, child or sibling) can request them with a copy of the death certificate or a funeral home letter.

Is this legal advice?

No. It is general information from VA and the National Archives. An accredited VSO representative can help for free.

Sources

General information, not legal or financial advice. Rules change; check the official sources above or talk to a licensed professional about your situation.