We have found that two out of the three Pension Centers are requiring a certified copy of the discharge paper DD214.  We recommend that your order one on line as soon as you have a new VA Pension client.  This can be done even before your first consult as the procedure is very easy and there is no cost involved.  Go to archives.gov, select Military Records, then select On Line Order.  You will need the following information when ordering:

1. Full name of the veteran
2. Social Security number
3. Branch of Service
4. Date of Birth
5. Place of birth (city/state)
6. Date of service entry (month/year)
7. Date of service discharge (month/year)
8. Place of discharge (city/state)
9. Officer or Enlisted

Be sure to obtain permission from the family before ordering.  Have the document mailed to your office; it usually takes 1-3 weeks.