e. Assistance in Obtaining Required Proof of Service

There will be cases where an applicant discharged from service is unable to provide his or her proof of service.  If the veteran has been discharged from regular active duty, submission of VA Form 26-1880 to the appropriate Eligibility Center should not be delayed while the veteran attempts to obtain evidence of service since VA may be able to make a determination by referring to internal records.   Otherwise, discharged reservists and other discharged vets for whom VA has no internal records should obtain an SF 180, Request Pertaining to Military Records from the nearest Eligibility Center, other VA Office, or at http://www.archives.gov/.  An SF 180 can be used by the veteran to request a copy of his or her DD Form 214 or equivalent.