MNG-055 · VETERAN BENEFITS & POST-SERVICE NAVIGATION
Post-Service Record Corrections
Navigate post-service military record correction using NARA, service departments, DD Form 149, BCMR/BCNR, VA evidence, and custodian-specific remedies.
First identify the custodian
| Problem | Likely first route |
|---|---|
| Need a copy of historic personnel/separation record | NARA/NPRC or current service custodian, depending on age/status |
| Clerical error with an available service correction process | Service personnel/records office |
| Error or injustice requiring correction-board authority | BCMR/BCNR using DD Form 149 after required exhaustion |
| VA decision used an inaccurate military record | Preserve VA review rights while pursuing the source-record correction |
Two files may need to move in parallel
If a VA or other benefit decision depends on an incorrect military record, calendar the benefit-review deadline independently. A pending military correction request does not automatically suspend another agency’s appeal deadline.
- Best copy of the challenged record
- Source documents proving the error/injustice
- Prior correction requests and decisions
- DD Form 149 packet where appropriate
- NARA/SF-180 request history
- Benefit decision that relied on the disputed fact
Official sources
Source status: SRC-064; SRC-065; SRC-078; SRC-079 verified October 4, 2026. Use the current decision, policy, and form instructions for the individual case.
