Request verification by the NPRC when it has been established that the claimant's
military service cannot be verified by the VA file (i.e., it has no record or some
needed information, such as the character of service, is missing).
Complete an SF-180. (See http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/standard-form-180.html for a link to the Military Record Request, SF-180.)
NOTE: The NARA website is for public use only and SSA employees must use the SF-180 procedure
to request information from NPRC.
Be sure to include the following information about the claimant:
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the name used during military service;
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branch of service, dates of service, service number and whether the individual was
an officer or enlisted person;
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next of kin of the claimant at the time of the service (this includes father, mother,
sisters and brothers) in Section II, item 2. (This information is needed to locate
the correct record.)
Show “Special Veterans Benefit Claim” in Section II, item 3.
Enter the return address of the SSA office to which the NPRC should send its response.
Provide a self-addressed return envelope for each SF-180 that is not faxed to the
NPRC.
Date the request and enter the signature, phone number and e-mail address of the SSA
claims representative (CR) making the request. Do not have the claimant sign the SF-180.
If the claimant, rather than the CR, signs the form and the claimant's address is
shown on the form, the response will go directly to the claimant, and not to SSA.
Retain a copy of the SF-180 for use in follow up on the request.
Request evidence from NARA as explained in RS 01701.036. Send all SF-180 requests and follow-up requests to code 14 record center shown on
the SF-180 under “Address List of Custodians.”