Veterans' Benefit Resources

A variety of important benefits and services are available to veterans and to their families, survivors and next-of-kin from the Department of Veterans Affairs and other agencies.

While the National Archives does not provide these benefits, we can help you obtain the copies of Military Service Records or other proof of service which you'll need to prove eligibility.

Veterans Benefits & Services from The Department of Veterans Affairs

• Emergency Requests for Military Service Records
• VA Guide to Federal Benefits for Veterans and Dependents
• Other Sources for Veterans Benefits, Aid and Information

Medical Benefits and Claims

The Department of Veterans Affairs is the primary source of information on Veterans Health Benefits.

Veterans who plan to file a claim for medical benefits with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) do not need to request a copy of their military health record from the National Archives' NPRC-MPR. The original health records are provided by the Center when requested by the VA after the claim is filed. Many health records were lent to the Department of Veterans Affairs prior to the 1973 fire.

Veterans who filed a medical claim should contact the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in order to determine if their record is already on file. The VA Toll Free # is: 1-800-827-1000 and will connect the caller to the nearest VA office.

Veterans' Family, Dependent and Next-of-Kin Benefits

• Emergency Requests for Military Service Records
• Medical Treatment Records of Dependents, Military Retirees, and Others
• Burial & Memorial Benefits for Veterans
• VA Guide to Federal Benefits for Veterans and Dependents
• Other Sources for Veterans Benefits, Aid and Information

Sources for Veterans Information, Aid and Benefits

Department of Veterans Affairs

The Department of Veterans Affairs is the primary source of federal benefits, programs and information for veterans.

• The Department of Veterans Affairs Web Site
• Guide to Federal Benefits for Veterans and Dependents

State and Local Government Veterans Agencies

Many states, counties and local municipalities offer additional veterans benefits and programs. Some may even be able to assist in obtaining copies of military service records.

• Regional Department of Veterans Affairs Offices
  Links, Addresses, and Contact Information for Regional Offices of the Department of Veterans Affairs
• State and Local Government Veterans Affairs Offices
  Compiled by the Department of Veterans Affairs

Resources & Services from Military Branches

• Department of Defense:
  • Military Compensation, Pay and Benefits Site
  • GulfLink: the Office of the Special Assistant to the Deputy Secretary of Defense for Gulf War Illnesses
    A service to assist Gulf War veterans obtain copies of their inpatient records of treatment at hospitals which had been deployed to the Persian Gulf.

Other Federal Government Resources

• Social Security Administration

Veterans Service Organizations and Other Groups

A variety of non-profit and private organizations can also help you learn about the services and benefits available to veterans. The following is only a short list. Please see the Directory of Veterans Service Organizations from the Department of Veterans Affairs for a comprehensive and up-to-date list.

(These links are provided for informational purposes only and are not endorsed by the National Archives and Records Administration. Read our disclaimer of endorsement.)

Veterans Organizations:

• Disabled American Veterans (DAV)
  Support organization for veterans, providing a nationwide network of services, free of charge to all veterans and members of their families.
• Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
  One of the largest veterans organizations, providing veterans' support and community services.
• The American Legion
  Site maintained by one of the largest veterans organizations.
• Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America - The Jewish War Veterans (JWV) of the USA, organized in 1896 by Jewish Veterans of the Civil War, is the oldest active national veterans' service organization in America.
• AMVETS
  AMVETS provides support for veterans, active military and community services.
• Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA)
  Veterans service organization dedicated to helping Vietnam-era veterans