Applying for Veteran’s Benefits during the Pandemic
November 23, 2020
This month the Department of Veteran Service, put out a communique commenting on the closure of the National Personnel Record Center (NPRC) since March due to COVID -19. The letter confirms that the NPRC has shut down most of their remaining operation indefinitely due to the pandemic. Sadly, this closure negatively impacts anyone needing copies of their service record such as a DD214.
Many veterans struggle with getting needed benefits, and especially during these times. Not only is the system difficult to maneuver through but many also have trouble gathering the necessary documentation to prove their claim.
Due to the NPRC closure, veterans are being encouraged to check into other ways in which to secure these documents, such as a local Veteran Service Organization such as Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) or the American Legion. It is also recommended until the DD214 is located, to provide any document showing military service, such as a leave notice, performance review or photocopy of dog tags. They do acknowledge that this decision to close NPRC creates a real hardship yet there seems to be no remedy in sight.
Gathering necessary paperwork before a claim is filed to ensure the claim will be complete on your first attempt at filing is the most prudent effort you can make towards a successful application.
We have put together a checklist of needed documents for an application for Wartime Pension/Aid & Attendance. Click on the link below to download your copy.