How can I verify if someone actually served in the military or if they are practicing stolen valor?

PO1 (Join to see) - All you have to do is drop in at the County Clerk's office with a copy of your DD 214 and ask them to file it. It'll be kept there for in case you lose your last copy. I filed mine over 40 years ago so I can't remember if there's a charge but it's nominal if there is. Keep in mind that it needs to be an official copy with the seal.

SGT Michael Jordan - That could be a hazardous action. If you file your DD214 with the County Clerk, almost anyone can gain access to it. That DD214 contains PII, which could include your SSN, Full Name and address. We found this out many years ago after my wife and I both retired.

MAJ Hugh Blanchard - Thanks for that information, Major. I don't recall anyone pointing that out while I was out-processing and it was being drummed into our heads that we needed to file our papers at the County Clerk's office. I guess back then identity theft just hadn't yet become the problem that it is today. Does anyone know if it's still S.O.P. to recommend filing your DD-214 at the Clerk's office? I'll give my Clerk's office a call tomorrow to find out what, if any, safeguards are now in place to protect our information and report back what I found.

MAJ Hugh Blanchard - Major, I did some checking around and here's what I found: When your DD214 is filed at the county clerk's office, your personal information is generally protected from disclosure. Most states have privacy laws that require proof of your identity or eligibility before access to the DD214 is granted, ensuring that only qualified individuals can obtain it. Additionally, the DD214 is sealed from public view, meaning it is not available for general public access. However, it's important to check your specific state laws, as they may vary. Hope this helps clarify it, Sir.

GySgt William Hardy - If you have never been treated by a resident, then I have to assume you don't get care at a VA eye clinic. The VA eye clinics routinely use residents for any routine examination that requires a doctor instead of a nurse or technician. At the end of the exam the resident takes the paperwork to be signed by the 'attending' physician. Then the 'attending' MIGHT come see you for a few seconds or not. On rare occasions the 'attending' may actually repeat part of the examination if they doubt the results that the resident reported. (That used to happen to me regularly due to a tiny speck of metal lodged in one of my eyes, lately they seem better at reading my record that shows the metal has been their since 1969).

SFC Barbara Layman - Your VA should also have a Veteran Experience Officer you can talk to if the Patient Advocate doesn't help. Otherwise I suggest you contact your congressmen and make them aware. They may be better able to get your VA to actually help you instead of giving you the bum's rush out the door. Does your VA have a Women's Clinic? If so, you need to be switched to that clinic, you might get better care than just being handed around in the men's primary care clinic.

Sgt Melinda Pamphrey - I have no issues with the VA or the services I receive. My comments were in response to comments of others.

Thank you. Apparently, I was mistaken thinking it was you.

Give us the deeets!!!!