Federal Benefits for Veterans and Dependents - CT.gov

98 Military Medals and Records Chapter 13eran’s full name should be printed or typed so that it can be readclearly, but the request must also contain the signature of the veteranor the signature of the next of kin, if the veteran is deceased. Includethe veteran’s branch of service, service number or Social Securitynumber and exact or approximate dates and years of service. UseStandard Form 180, “Request Pertaining To Military Records.”It is not necessary to request a duplicate copy of a veteran’s dischargeor separation papers solely for the purpose of filing a claimfor VA benefits. If complete information about the veteran’s service isfurnished on the application, VA will obtain verification of service.Correcting of Military RecordsThe secretary of a military department, acting through a Board forCorrection of Military Records, has authority to change any militaryrecord when necessary to correct an error or remove an injustice. Acorrection board may consider applications for correction of a militaryrecord, including a review of a discharge issued by court-martial.The veteran, survivor or legal representative must file a request forcorrection within three years after discovering an alleged error orinjustice. The board may excuse failure to file within this time, however,if it finds it would be in the interest of justice. It is an applicant’sresponsibility to show why the filing of the application was delayedand why it would be in the interest of justice for the board to considerit despite the delay.To justify a correction, it is necessary to show to the satisfaction ofthe board that the alleged entry or omission in the records was in erroror unjust. Applications should include all available evidence, suchas signed statements of witnesses or a brief of arguments supportingthe correction. Application is made with DD Form 149, availableat VA offices, veterans organizations or visit http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/infomgt/forms/formsprogram.htm.Review of Discharge from Military ServiceEach of the military services maintains a discharge review board withauthority to change, correct or modify discharges or dismissals notissued by a sentence of a general court-martial. The board has noauthority to address medical discharges.