According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the majority of National Guard and Reserve members are eligible for some VA benefits, provided they were discharged or released under honorable (or anything other than dishonorable) conditions and meet certain eligibility requirements with regard to how long they served.
Typically, if an individual served in the Army National Guard, the Air Force National Guard, or as a Reservist for any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces and was activated under Title 10 or Title 32 of the U.S. Code, that person qualifies for many of the same benefits provided to full-time military personnel.
Reservists in this case would receive a DD214 and National Guard members would receive an NGB22 (Report of Separation and Record of Service), both of which can be used to show proof of eligibility when applying for veteran benefits. Like the DD214, the NGB22 provides a detailed account of an individual’s military career, including the reason for and character of discharge.
What if I was never called to active duty?
If you did not serve on active duty, or if you did not complete your service and were not formally discharged, you would not have received a DD214.
In some cases, Reservists who did complete their service will receive only a DD256 (Honorable Discharge Certificate), indicating they were not called to active service but still fulfilled their service contract and were discharged under honorable conditions. This form will not be enough to apply for veteran benefits.
Can DD214Direct help me order my DD214 or NGB22?
Absolutely.
Our records retrieval experts can locate a wide variety of military documents, from your DD214 and NGB22 forms to your retirement points statement and official military personnel file (OMPF). You can read more about our extensive services here.
Don't wait—call DD214Direct today at 800-891-9285 to begin the order process and to make sure you have the right documents in hand when the time comes to apply for your hard-earned benefits. Click here to find out exactly what information we will need from you before you call.
Veteran-owned DD214Direct helps you get the documents you need, when you need them.
Our cutting-edge technology platform and keen knowledge of government protocol and procedure allow us to deliver your documents faster than you could get them on your own. First, we digitize both your request and the returned documents, using electronic signatures to avoid extra time with the postal service. We also integrate email and fax throughout our entire process, while many agencies do not.
To further expedite the process, our team ensures your initial request is filled out properly the first time and includes the necessary supporting documentation so that it doesn't bounce back. In addition, we break up multiple requests (DD214, OMPF, etc.) so that each piece is handled separately and one does not delay the other.
Once your request is processed, DD214Direct becomes your personal advocate, working directly with the agency that holds your records (currently there are about 75 independent agencies) and immediately responding to any agency issues on your behalf. In many cases, DD214Direct is able to advance your request to a higher-priority workflow. Finally, we have team members at many locations to drop off and pick up documents.
Much like paying a small fee to have your taxes done by a professional, DD214Direct provides the service and convenience you’ve been hoping for, plus we make it a lot easier. Once we locate your DD214, we can email you a copy immediately—a service not offered by the government. And tracking your request through us is simple, so you never have to worry about long hold times and inconclusive answers.
Ready to get started? Click here to begin the order process.
