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NA 13038 in Lieu Of DD214
Posted: Wed Jan 23, 2013 1:02 am
by RX8er
Has anyone here been successful in using a NA Form 13038, along with the unreadable DD-214, for their CHL paperwork? I called DPS today and they are having a hard time accepting the 13038. I am having a hard time with the fact that the Records Archive have said and certified that they have tried to provide a readable copy and are unable to and that the 13038 should be acceptable for any other official purposes.
Here is what the intro letter says:
Dear Sir or Madam:
Thank you for contacting the National Personnel Records Center. A copy of the separation document is enclosed. We regret the photocopy is of poor quality; however, it is the best that we can obtain. The separation document may include the following information: authority for separation, reason for separation, reenlistment eligibility code, and separation (SPN/SPD) code. If a copy of the separation document that does not contain this information is required, a deleted copy may be requested from this Center. A seal has been affixed to the separation document to attest to its authenticity. Enclosed is a copy of the discharge order.
The enclosed DD Form 215, Correction to DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge From Active Duty, shows correction(s) to the report of separation and should be filed with that document.
We are also enclosing NA Form 13038, Certification of Military Service, in addition to the veteran's separation document. This will verify the veteran's military service and it may be used for any official purpose.
If you have questions or comments regarding this response, you may contact us at 314-801-0800 or by mail at the address shown in the letterhead above. If you contact us, please reference the Request Numbers listed above. If you are a veteran, or a deceased veteran's next of kin, please consider submitting your future requests online by visiting us at
http://vetrens.archives.gov" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;.
The DD-215 has a correction to delete one month of service time from my record as they had my out processing date entered in error by one month.
Re: NA 13038 in Lieu Of DD214
Posted: Wed Jan 23, 2013 8:25 am
by JCole
I don't have any experience with the NA 13038, but the DD-214 that I originally got when I separated did not have a discharge status on it, so DPS would not accept it. I tried to send them my AF-100 (Air Force Authorization for Separation) which did contain the discharge status. They wouldn't accept that, either, which is a pretty sorry way to treat a veteran, in my opinion. They did state that they would accept the actual certificate I received, but mine is in a frame that I would have to destroy to copy the document (worth more than the discounted renewal.) I eventually just paid the full renewal price, and have since ordered a different DD-214 to use next time.
My point: do you have the certificate available? That might be an easier route.
Re: NA 13038 in Lieu Of DD214
Posted: Wed Jan 23, 2013 8:30 am
by JCole
I get your underlying point, though; if it's good enough proof for the federal government, it should be good enough for TXDPS. That's exactly how I felt.
I guess it's more about revenue than veterans.
Re: NA 13038 in Lieu Of DD214
Posted: Wed Jan 23, 2013 8:53 am
by OldCannon
Just as a suggestion: Get a DD-214 (or get it corrected). The DD-214 is really key to making things go smoothly for a lot of things, including the VA, should you ever need their services.
Re: NA 13038 in Lieu Of DD214
Posted: Wed Jan 23, 2013 9:42 am
by The_Busy_Mom
He has a DD-214 - the problem is that it is completely illegible. This is the copy that came from the military when we requested a copy to certify our college-age daughter for Hazlewood benefits at the local university last year. So basically, the DD-214 that the military has is illegible, as well. So they sent him the NA 13038 with official seal that he was Honorably Discharged. We do not have the original issued from the AF when he was discharged. Many moves, a divorce, and slightly scattered record keeping early on in life didn't help. So Brian asked if he could just pay the whole fee, rather than the discounted fee, and bypass this need for DD214. She said no, that even paying the whole fee would require proof of his status. Vicious cycle.
Re: NA 13038 in Lieu Of DD214
Posted: Wed Jan 23, 2013 9:46 am
by suthdj
My DD214 was rejected as it was the wrong copy, I however did send them a letter I get every year from the VA for my disability and status, it worked no problem.
Re: NA 13038 in Lieu Of DD214
Posted: Wed Jan 23, 2013 4:11 pm
by RX8er
Good news... Rebecca has resolved the issue. She took my info to a supervisor and it has been approved for the Vet rate!
She said for all the troubles, she was moving me to the front of the processing line and I should have plastic in a week.
Oh wait, wishful thinking about this last part.
Re: NA 13038 in Lieu Of DD214
Posted: Wed Jan 23, 2013 10:10 pm
by xrays1
You can request a replacement copy of your DD214. I received 2 copies with an embossed seal. Go to
http://www.archives.gov/veterans/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;