Veteran Q&A

What is a DD-214?

A DD-214 is the federal Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty issued to every U.S. servicemember leaving active service.

The DD Form 214, "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty," is the master document for every U.S. military veteran. It records dates of service, awards, character of service (honorable / general / OTH / BCD / dishonorable), and is required for almost every VA benefit, federal job application, and military funeral honors.

Detail

In crisis? Call 988 and press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line — 24/7 confidential, federally-operated. Text 838255. Chat at veteranscrisisline.net.

Related pages

DD-214 — full glossary entryDD-215 — correction formNGB-22 — National Guard discharge documentSF-180 — Records request form

Other veteran questions

How do I file a VA disability claim?File VA Form 21-526EZ — Application for Disability Compensation.How long does a VA disability claim take?4-6 months on average for an initial decision; longer for complex or appealed claims.What is TDIU (Total Disability Individual Unemployability)?TDIU is a VA designation that pays at the 100% disability rate when service-connected disabilities prevent you from holding "substantially gainful employment," even if your combined rating is below 100%.Are VA disability payments taxed?No. VA disability compensation is fully tax-free under federal law (38 USC §5301).Is asthma a PACT Act presumptive condition?Yes. Asthma diagnosed after service is a PACT Act burn-pit presumptive for post-9/11 veterans who served in qualifying locations.Is hypertension a PACT Act presumptive condition?Yes — hypertension was added to the Agent Orange presumptive list under the 2024 PACT Act expansion.

About these answers

These plain-English answers are maintained by Wounded Warriors / Warriors Fund (Texas 501(c)(3), EIN 86-1336741). We cite VA's official sources where applicable. Always verify the most current rules at va.gov. Free, machine-queryable under CC-BY 4.0.