Eligibility for veterans benefits is dependant on the veteran's characterization of military service. Most VA benefits require a service characterization of under other than dishonorable conditions or better. Veterans can request upgrade in service characterization in order to qualify for benefits. Procedures for service characterization upgrade or records correction are governed by the military branch the veteran served in.
Requests for copies of military service records are usually made to the National Archives. However, for veterans recently discharged, the military service record may still be located at the military unit pending transmittal to the National Archives. Veterans' medical and health records are usually sent directly to the Department of Veterans Affairs in leiu of the National Archives.