When a discharge review board says it could not locate your separation records, the first step is requesting your official military personnel file directly, since the board cannot rule fairly without it. You can request these records through the National Archives National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) using the eVetRecs online system, or by submitting a Standard Form 180 (Request Pertaining to Military Records) by mail or fax. If you served in the Air Force, you can also request records through the Air Force Personnel Center or through milConnect if you have a DS Logon or ID.me account, which often has a digital copy of your DD Form 214 and other service documents available for immediate download. Losing physical copies of your records does not mean the records themselves are gone — they are stored permanently by the government, and requesting a certified copy is free.
Regarding the hearing itself, most discharge review boards, including the Air Force Discharge Review Board, offer more than one way to have your case heard. Typically you can choose a "records review," where the board decides based solely on the documents and statements you submit, or a "personal appearance" hearing, where you or a representative appears in person or by video before the board to answer questions. In many cases the personal appearance option is not mandatory — it is offered as a right, not a requirement, and choosing a records-only review is common and acceptable if you are not comfortable appearing. Check the specific instructions in your denial letter, since procedures and deadlines (often within one year of the decision for reconsideration) vary by branch.
Official 2026 VA monthly compensation, including the 2.8% COLA increase.
Dependent add-ons start at a 30% rating. Child-only and dependent-parent rates: see the full 2026 pay chart.
| Rating | Monthly (2026, incl. 2.8% COLA) |
|---|---|
| 10% | $180.42 |
| 20% | $356.66 |
| 30% | $552.47 |
| 40% | $795.84 |
| 50% | $1,132.90 |
| 60% | $1,435.02 |
| 70% | $1,808.45 |
| 80% | $2,102.15 |
| 90% | $2,362.30 |
| 100% | $3,938.58 |
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Upload your decision letter and C&P exams — VetAid's analyzer reads the full file, checks every examiner statement word-for-word against your records, and shows which arguments for a higher rating actually hold. Free, and we never take a cut of your back pay.
Analyze my claim free →It is also worth having an accredited Veterans Service Officer (VSO) from organizations such as the VFW, DAV, or American Legion help prepare the appeal, since they can assist with gathering records, drafting a personal statement, and organizing medical and MST-related evidence, which is especially important in the cases you are getting a copy of your DD Form 214 and full personnel file, then contact a VSO before your appeal deadline to help refile with complete supporting documentation.
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