Cut to the chase

I began requesting my husband's service file in fall of 1983, he died in August of '83. I made the request over 6 x during the following 17 yrs and heard every excuse imaginable.

Finally, a new benefits counselor informed me that the previous counselors had neglected to tell me to ask for the C-file; it seems my spouse had attempted a claim in '76, in fact over 4 x into early '77.

Armed with the new info, I submitted my request again and asked my Congressman to do the same and received the file in 2000. To my amazement, there in the file were the '76/'77 requests for the file, topped by the "unable to locate file" notices that were sent out to him.

Keep detailed records of everyone that you speak to, dates, times, who, what, etc...then copy it. Better to put all communication in writing. Go directly to your Congressman, put the request in writing to them, this gives them authorization to inquire on your behalf.

Look through these posts as there is a numerical list that specifies how to approach this issue to ensure success. Time is on their side, make them play it your way, not theirs. Their failure to perform their stated mission is unbelievable, it is SOP.

BUSHIDOUSMC wrote: I am looking for anyone who served with John S. Bodner in country 64-65 with HMM362, VMO2. Shot down in feb or march of 65 in a UH-34 in DaNang.
John is having trouble finding any cooberating evidence to support that he was even in country at that time, never mind being shot down. His DD-214 says nothing about anything, we are currently trying to access his service record book for more detailed info. The VA is giving him a truly hard time, you know how they can be. Your assistance in this matter will be reatly appreciated, thank you in advance...

Semper-Fi

My DD-214 was the same. I requested the unit awards for the unit at the time frame that I served and sent copies of my original orders as well. They were sent to me along with a DD-215 (an amendment of sorts to the DD-214). That will establish his being with the unit at the time. Also, all original orders will serve well as proof.
However, submit only one piece of, "new supporting evidence" at a time to the VA as the battle may go on until someone "really" looks at his records.
I hope that this is helpful.