1. Interpreting a Veteran’s DD-214, the
Department of Veterans Affairs
E-Benefits Web Portal & VEC

2. Reading a Veteran’s DD-214
What is it?
Required for Benefits

3. Reading a Veteran’s DD-214
Why is it Important?
Verifies Military Service
Refer Veterans to
www.veterans.ny.gov for
Info on Benefits

4. Blocks 1-5 = Personal Information
Blocks 6-10 = Time in Service Information

5. Block 11 = Primary Specialties
(Helpful w/ Experience Counts Initiative)
Block 12 = Lists Total Service Time
(Helpful w/ Determining Eligible Veteran
Status & Priority of Service Eligibility)

6. Block 13 = Awards & Decorations
Block 14 = Military Education

7. Blocks 15-17 = Additional Information
Block 18 = Remarks
Block 19 = Post-Separation Information
(Addressand Nearest Relative)

8. Block 20 = Copy sent to VA
Blocks 21 & 22 = Signatures
(Must be Signed)

9. Blocks 23-30 = Special Additional Information
(Only Included on Member Copy 4)
Block 24 = Discharge Type
(Honorable, General, Other than Honorable, Bad
Conduct, Dishonorable, Entry Level Separation)

10. Vietnam Era DD-214
Personal Data
Discharge Data
Service Data

11. Requesting Copies of the DD-214
Paper Copies
Visit National Archives Website
www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records
Electronic Copies
Visit eBenefits
www.ebenefits.va.gov/ebenefits/homepage

12. eBenefits
What is it?
Joint VA and DoD Web Portal Providing
Resources & Self-Service Capabilities

13. How Do Veterans Access eBenefits?
Veterans Must Create an Account
Basic vs. Premium
Both are Free
Premium-Must
Verify Your
Identity

14. What Can Veterans do in eBenefits?
Key Features:
 Access & Download VA Docs
 Access to Official Military Personnel Docs
 Apply for Veterans Benefits Online
 Check Status of Service-Connected Claims
 VA Payment History

15. What Can Veterans do in eBenefits?
Key Features :
 Access Post 9/11 GI Bill
 Order Medical Equipment & Meds
 Search for Representatives
 Mobile App
 Veterans Employment Center

16. Veterans Employment Center
What is it?
Online Tool
Military Skills Translator
Profile/Resume Builder

17. What Are the Benefits to Job-Seekers?
Most Important Features:
 Skills Translator
 Profile & Resume Builder
 Veterans Job Bank (VJB)
 Employer Commitments

18. What Are the Benefits to Job-Seekers?
Other Resources:
 Disability Resources
 Assistive Technology
 Education & Counseling
 Military Transcripts
 Federal Employment
 Military Spouses
 Partnered Resources
 Entrepreneurship
 Training & Vocational
 Wounded Warriors
 Transitioning Service-Members

19. What Are the Benefits to Businesses?
Recruit & Retain Talented Veterans:
 Search Veteran Profiles
 Post Jobs
 Make a Commitment
 Hiring & Supporting Veterans