Veterans Services Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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The War on Terrorism:
Military Records:
Burial Benefits:
Complaints:
USDVA Locations:
Miscellaneous:
Medals:
Guest Speakers:
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The War on Terrorism
I have heard there is a special program to help severely disabled
soldiers and their families get access to services and benefits. Where can I get more
information on this program?
The U.S. Army established the Disabled Soldier Support System (DS3),
a comprehensive advocacy program to help severely disabled Soldiers and their families as
they attempt to tap into services available to them through the military and the Department
of Veterans Affairs. DS3 gives disabled Soldiers (active or reserve) one-stop shopping for
help with financial, administrative, medical, vocational, other needs. It helps them sort
out the medical and vocational benefits for which they qualify and provides an advocate for
them during their rehabilitation. A Soldier can make contact with DS3 by calling (800)
833-6622 weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; or E-mail at
ArmyDS3@hoffman.army.mil.
For more extensive information on Army’s Disabled Soldier Support System (DS3), go to:
Disabled Soldier Support System (DS3).
Where can I get a list of service members killed in action during the
war on terrorism (including Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom)?
The Department of Defense (DOD) maintains a list of service members killed in action during
these operations at the "Fallen Warriors"
website.
How can I support the troops serving overseas?
The Department of Defense (DOD) maintains a website listing hundreds of ways
that individuals or groups can help support the troops.
The America
Supports You site is organized by subject area (Mail to troops, frequent flyer miles,
phone cards, help for wounded troops, etc). Click on the yellow button "How you can Help."
This is the best site to use if you have something specific in mind that you want to do.
You can also contact family support groups at your local military base to volunteer to
assist their efforts.
Military Records
How can I get a copy of my discharge document (DD214)?
Official copies of your DD214 are maintained at the National Personnel Records Center. You
can request a copy by mail, fax or on-line.
Mail: Complete a “Standard Form 180” and mail it to:
National Personnel Records Center
Military Personnel Records
9700 Page Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63132-5100
By Fax: Complete a SF-180 and fax to 314-801-9195. The Center will respond in writing by
U.S. Mail.
On-line: Veterans or next-of-kin of deceased veterans can use
vetrecs.archives.gov.
Additional information may be found at
NPRC-Requesting Military Records.
Burial Benefits
Where are National Cemeteries located?
You can find the location of all national and state cemeteries, including Arlington National
Cemetery, at the USDVA website National Cemeteries
.
What are the eligibility requirements for burial in a national cemetery?
The eligibility requirements for burial in either a national or state cemetery are generally
the same; details can be found at
Eligibility Criteria. Be sure to check the individual cemetery’s website to be sure
that they are still accepting new internments.
The criteria for burial in Arlington National cemetery are stricter, specific information
can be found at
Arlington Burial Eligibility.
How can I find where someone was buried in a national veteran’s cemetery?
The USDVA maintains a nationwide database of burials at veteran’s cemeteries; you can search
for the burial location at
Grave Locator.
What burial benefits does the USDVA provide for veterans?
The USDVA provides burial benefits for veterans, which depend upon whether the veteran is
being buried in a private cemetery or a national or state cemetery. You can obtain specific
information about these benefits and how to apply for the benefits at the
Burial Benefits website.
Complaints
I want to talk to someone about my claim for benefits because: it is
taking too long/is not the right amount/forgot to consider everything/the claim was
denied/etc.
As a state agency, the California Department of Veterans Affairs has no jurisdiction over
the U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs. However, district office staff of the California
Department of Veterans Affairs assist veterans and their dependents in obtaining these
benefits through the process of application and representation of claims.
For additional information, contact one our departmental district
offices.
There is also an excellent network of County Veterans Service Offices (CVSO) that can help
you with filing a claim, understanding the claim process, understanding the USDVA’s decision
on your claim, or assisting in filing an appeal. To locate your CVSO, check out this listing
of addresses and phone numbers at
CVSO locations.
Or you can contact the USDVA directly at 1-800-827-1000.
I want to talk to someone about the poor medical care I received at
the USDVA hospital/clinic/pharmacy/etc.
As a state agency, the California Department of Veterans Affairs has no jurisdiction over
the U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Complaints about medical care should be made to
the Director of the facility, or the Ombudsman of the facility or the Veteran Integrated
Service Network Director. Contact addresses and phone numbers can be found at
USDVA Medical Facilities in California.
Or you can contact the USDVA directly at 1-800-827-1000.
USDVA Locations
How can I find the location of the nearest USDVA medical facility?
In California -
USDVA Medical Facilities in California.
Other States -
USDVA Medical Facilities - Nationwide.
How can I find the location of the nearest USDVA regional
office?
In California -
USDVA Regional Offices in California.
Other States -
USDVA Regional Offices - Nationwide.
Miscellaneous
I am trying to locate my father/ex-husband/friend/etc who is a veteran
and is living in California. Can you help?
The State of California does not maintain a database of veterans living in California. You
may wish to try the various search engines available on the Internet.
I lost my check yesterday. How do I get another one reissued and how
long will it take?
If it was a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs check, contact them ASAP at 1.800.827.1000.
Medals
How can I obtain military medals that were earned by a veteran.
Requests for the issuance or replacement of military service medals, decorations, and
awards should be directed to the specific branch of the military in which the veteran
served. However, for Air Force (including Army Air Corps) and Army personnel, the National
Personnel Records Center will verify the awards to which a veteran is entitled and forward
the request with the verification to the appropriate service department for issuance of the
medals. Visit the
Military Awards & Decorations website for forms and additional information.
I served in the Korean War and I have heard that the Republic of Korea
is issuing a Korean War Service Medal. How do I get mine?
Please go to the Korean War Service
Medal website. The USAF is the coordinating agency, applications must be made by
individuals to the address listed on the web-site.
Where can I get a list of Medal of Honor recipients?
The U.S. Army maintains a web site with a list
of Medal of Honor recipients and includes a copy of the individual citation.
Guest Speakers
I’d like to have someone come to my school/organization to talk
about the importance of Veterans Day, whom should I contact?
We suggest that you contact one of the military commands in your area. Many active duty and
reserve commands have speakers bureaus specifically organized to speak in the community on a
wide variety of subjects. Thank you for your support of our veterans. Here are some
contacts that we have developed for Northern California:
- Travis AFB Speakers
Bureau: To request a speaker send a request letter by e-mail or fax
to the Travis Community Relations Office (
com.rel@travis.af.mil) Phone: (707) 424-0132.
Please provide the following information: name of organization, grade of school class (if
appropriate), name and telephone number of your point of contact for the speaking
engagement, date and time of the event, topics you'd like the speaker to address,
along with any other special requirements or requests.
- Beale AFB Community Relations: The Community Relations division can be reached at (530)
634-8889/8894.
- Naval Reserve Commands:
The Sacramento Naval and Marine Corps Reserve Center. Toll free contact is: 1-866-254-6450
The Alameda Naval and Marine Corps Reserve Center 1-800-748-2224
- National Guard: Public Affairs Main Telephone Number(916) 854-3304
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