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Ok, I was in the Marine Corps before, and as a FTM, I have been having trouble getting anything done via the VA etc.; but here's some information I have gleaned that may be of use to others in the military or leaving it.
To get a legal name change on your DD214 form, .... You take proof of your legal name change to your local CongressPerson, and a formal note requesting that a Form DD215 Name Correction be filed to correct your legal name on the DD214 and in the rest of the military/VA's records of you. They are SUPPOSED to sign the letter of request, add their letterhead, and mail it in to the correct office so this LEGAL procedure can be done. In a few weeks, you should get an official copy of the Form DD215, signifying that your name has been legally changed. MAKE SURE you are VERY clear what name you're changing FROM, and what name you're changing TO. It helps to include a copy of your DD214, if you have one.
This will help with all kinds of things later on - your VA records, applying for any kind of VA benefits under your legal (new) name, etc.
Just thought I would share this info, as no one in the VA seems to know anything about how to go about doing this.
I hope this info saves someone else a load of grief and frustration.
To get a legal name change on your DD214 form, .... You take proof of your legal name change to your local CongressPerson, and a formal note requesting that a Form DD215 Name Correction be filed to correct your legal name on the DD214 and in the rest of the military/VA's records of you. They are SUPPOSED to sign the letter of request, add their letterhead, and mail it in to the correct office so this LEGAL procedure can be done. In a few weeks, you should get an official copy of the Form DD215, signifying that your name has been legally changed. MAKE SURE you are VERY clear what name you're changing FROM, and what name you're changing TO. It helps to include a copy of your DD214, if you have one.
This will help with all kinds of things later on - your VA records, applying for any kind of VA benefits under your legal (new) name, etc.
Just thought I would share this info, as no one in the VA seems to know anything about how to go about doing this.
I hope this info saves someone else a load of grief and frustration.
Above is a site for all the forms associated with this. You can get a DD 149 off here which is APPLICATION FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORD UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF TITLE 10, U.S. CODE, SECTION 1552
It looks like the DD215 you have to get from the VA themselves or request it on the site, I just don't know much as I have not done so yet.
Joe: Did they send you a new copy of your 214 after you did all that, or did you have to do something to get a new copy?
I already did the Form 149; a year and some months ago - but it didn't change anything except at the local VA branch hospital where I go. All this time since, benefits and travel vouchers have been resolutely issued to the OLD NAME, no matter what I did to get them to change it.
Now, the bank is saying they can't accept the direct deposits or checks from the VA anymore - because they are under the wrong(OLD) name - not my legal name as it stands currently.
Which is why I have tried the DD215.
I am waiting for them to send it back, with notification it has been done.
They won't change the name on the original DD214,.... but they WILL correct it for everything else, and attach a record of the legal name change to the DD214 so they DON'T say, "Oh, no, that person never served." as they have said in my case.