FAQs

1. What makes your services so unique?
2. Do you only research awards?
3. How long does the research take?
4. Is there anything I/we can do to help expedite the process?
5. Does the VLF submit or assist in VA claims?
6. I am missing an award on my discharge form, can I get that corrected?
7. Can I get replacement foreign awards?
8. My awards or those of my family member were lost, can I get replacements?
9. How do I know if I or my family member is missing an award?
10. Are there any awards that have been authorized and are retroactive? How do I know if I or my family member is eligible?
11. What does VLF not do?
12. Do you charge for your services?

 

1. What makes your services so unique?

Our objective is to research information to substantiate a veteran or family member’s request regarding a military award(s). We go to great lengths to investigate veteran accounts, including tracking down unit members and eyewitness statements to support the request as well as initiating any required military documentation.

2. Do you only research awards?

No, we have often been asked to research a veteran’s military service/history. For example: family members who would like to know more about what their veteran family member did during WWII because the veteran did not talk much about it. top

3. How long does the research take?

It actually depends on the type of research requested, what supporting documentation is required and from where the documentation needs to be obtained (institution or individuals).

Much of the older (pre–Gulf War) documents are still in formats like paper, micro phish/film and take time to research.

Few have taken as little as 4 to 6 months, but most have taken much longer.

Because of our workload, we have had to prioritize our cases. Veterans in their 80s or older go to the top of the list as do veterans with serious medical issues. Unfortunately, as we move forward, the number of requests have been increasing. top

4. Is there anything I/we can do to help expedite the process?

Yes, look for as much documentation/information you can that may help (discharge forms, possible witnesses contact information, military records).

We understand that there was a fire at the National Personnel Records Center at St Louis in 1973 and some records may be very difficult to find or still exist.top

5. Does the VLF submit or assist in VA claims?

No, we do not submit VA claims, however there has been occasions where the result of our research for an award assisted in the claim process. top

6. I am missing an award on my discharge form, can I get that corrected?

It depends on the award that is missing.  Unit awards can be easily researched. In fact you can do this on your own by contacting your local Veterans Service Office. However individual awards such as a Purple Heart or Bronze Star, for example, may have to be resubmitted along with supporting documentation and possibly as if the decoration was never awarded.

Some awards, like the Good Conduct Medal, may be difficult to correct, especially if many years have passed. These are not always automatic. Some regulations require the unit commanders to make that determination of eligibility and if the original chain of command no longer exists then it most likely cannot be awarded. top

7. Can I get replacement foreign awards?

Some foreign awards can be obtained from the appropriate service branch.  For those that are unavailable, you may have to contact a commercial military awards and decorations source.  Our links menu has a few suggestions. top

8. My awards or those of a family member were lost, can I get replacements?

Yes, you can get a one-time replacement of the awards. You can simply apply through your local Veteran’s Service Officer or Congressional office, however if you have any problems you may contact us.

Remember, one time only. If the veteran or anyone in the family requested a replacement in the past, then that is all the military will provide. The only alternative would be the purchase them through a commercial source. top

9. How do I know if I or my family member is missing an award?

You can take their/your discharge to your local Veteran’s Service Officer and they should be able to determine if any awards are missing, however you may contact us as well. top

10. Are there any awards that have been authorized and are retroactive? How do I know if I or my family member is eligible?

Yes, there have been awards and decorations that fit that category.  Contact your Veteran Service Officer or contact us. top

11. What does VLF not do?

We don’t approve or recommend any awards. We simply research the documentation and appropriate military regulations to determine the possible eligibility and the required process. That information is submitted to the appropriate branch of service for approval/disapproval.

We have had many requests for research to verify “boots on the ground” in support of VA claims. Unfortunately, that proof/documentation can only be obtained by the veteran (orders, travel vouchers, etc.). We can research a specific unit/ship in a specific AOR, but not an individual. top

12. Do you charge for your services?

No, we don’t charge veterans or their family members. However it is important to mention that the researching and retrieval of information at some of the archival institutions costs $35 to $45 per hour. Many of the documents are still original paper copies or on film and may require hours of sifting and sorting through information to locate the specific document needed.  Therefore our funding limitations may be a cause of why a case is taking longer, as we try to obtain additional funding.

We receive donations and have periodic fundraisers so that we can continue this service. It is important to note that all our “staff” is strictly volunteer. top