TexasCHLforum.com

dale blanker wrote:
1) At VetVerify I got the error message that my record could not be found in DEERS database (discharge in 1961 might be the problem)
2) and so I submitted a formal "inquiry" to update DEERS.
3) A week later I received the email that I had been added to DEERS and should proceed with obtaining a "DS LOGIN" so I can access eBenefits website. I did that and even upgraded to a "premium" account (whatever than means).
4) At VetVerify I STILL get the error message about no record in DEERS.
5) I've re-opened the inquiry that supposedly got me into DEERS and requested further advice.

Is anyone else having this problem?

Update: I received a reply to #5 above: "If your request is related to the online shopping exchange, please revisit the VetVerify.org website after September 30, 2017 when your record will be made available to verify eligibility. If you need additional information or assistance please visit http://www.vetverify.org or call 1-844-868-8672 (toll-free)."

Apparently VetVerify does not get updates from DEERS until September when the Online Exchange for all vets goes into effect.

JakeTheSnake wrote:Received this email today.

Nice! And I'm jealous...

1) At VetVerify I got the error message that my record could not be found in DEERS database (discharge in 1961 might be the problem)
2) and so I submitted a formal "inquiry" to update DEERS.
3) A week later I received the email that I had been added to DEERS and should proceed with obtaining a "DS LOGIN" so I can access eBenefits website. I did that and even upgraded to a "premium" account (whatever than means).
4) At VetVerify I STILL get the error message about no record in DEERS.
5) I've re-opened the inquiry that supposedly got me into DEERS and requested further advice.

Is anyone else having this problem?

stash wrote:Thanks Dale and others. Dale I will give DEERS a shot.

I also had trouble for the discount at Lowe's and had to take my DD-214 to gt hooked up with them

Maybe my problem is the fire inasmuch as I was discharged prior 1970.

My separation was in '56 and discharge in '61 so I assume that is the problem. Texas DPS wisely does not bother with DEERS for the veteran discount on chl. Just sending a copy of the DD-214 is simpler and quicker than going through the appeal/update process required by DEERS for the online exchange.

Our government works in strange and wondrous ways...

67N20 wrote:Do you have to retired (meaning served 20 years) or Honorably Discharged? 3 years service in my case.

This is for ALL honorably discharged vets, adding to the active, reserve, and retirees who currently have access to online military exchanges.

TreyHouston wrote:So are the prices any good? Or just the same as everywhere else?

I've seen mixed reviews about the pricing so one should compare other outlets but I understand that there is no sales tax. Also, there's speculation that after many vets join in, volume sales will help reduce prices.

o b juan wrote:I went on and got approved.

Have a 10% dis.

Could I then Shop @ a PX?

I believe that you may not shop at a base unless you are active, reserve, or retired. Also, the online service is good for almost anything but not alcohol, tobacco, or uniforms.

By the way, to those that are having trouble getting verified, it may be because of lost records due to a major fire back in the 70's. So if you separated or were discharged before then you're more likely to have a problem and need to submit the inquiry mentioned earlier.

stash wrote:No luck for me. After I input required info, they indicated an apology and indicated they could locate no info re me.

I had this problem too. The error message said that I was not in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) database and needed to submit an inquiry at
https://iris.custhelp.com/app/ask
In the form at that location:
1. type Not in DEERS in the Question box
2. From the "Select a Topic and the Inquiry Type" section under the "Please Select a Topic" drop down menu, select the "Veteran not in DEERS (Add)" option.
3. From the "Select an inquiry Type?" same section, select "Question" from the drop down menu.
4. Complete the rest of the form with your contact data and military service data (service number, dates of service)
You should receive an email confirmation with a question reference# shortly after you submit but it may take 5 days to get a real response.

It's a weird form but it does seem to work - I'm waiting for a reply. You can also call 800-827-1000 and say "eBenefits" but I didn't try that - probably a long wait. Good luck

Honorably discharged veterans who want to shop at the online exchanges could be given access as early as Monday as part of a group of "beta testers" through a new veteran shopper verification system launched Monday morning. This is supposed to be a new benefit for all honorably discharged veterans (not just active duty, reserves, or retired) starting in November but some vets will be selected to have online access early.

I've seen mixed reviews about the online exchange but it's probably worth a look.

See: http://www.military.com/daily-news/2017 ... hange.html