How can I replace important military paperwork?
BLUF – The MOAA article outlines the key military records veterans and retirees should preserve—including the DD-214, DD-214-1, NGB-22, DD-256, Official Military Personnel File, military health records, and retirement eligibility documents—and explains how to replace each through the National Archives, service personnel centers, or other federal agencies if the originals are lost. It also emphasizes that maintaining complete personnel and medical records is essential for accessing VA benefits, retirement entitlements, healthcare, disability claims, and survivor benefits, making accurate records management an important issue for Navy Medicine personnel throughout their careers and into retirement.