Justification for Non Substantive/Non Material Change

Copy A Copy B 26-1880
Request For A Certificate of Eligibility

Copy A IMPORTANT: Change “the eBenefits portal at www.ebeneits.va.gov” to Copy B “www.va.gov”

MILITARY SERVICE

1. Copy A IMPORTANT: delete the last sentence “Proof of service is required for persons who entered service after September 7, 1980 and were discharged after serving less than 2 years.”

2. Copy A Block 9C change “Do include any activation for duty under Title 10 U.S.C. (e.g. Reserve or Guard unit mobilized)” to Copy B “Do include any Reserve or Guard unit activation under Title 10 U.S.C. or Full Time National Guard Duty under Title 32 U.S.C. Sections 316, 502, 503, 504, or 505.”

3. Copy A Block 9D change “Do not include any activation for duty under Title 10 U.S.C. (e.g. Reserve or Guard unit mobilized)” to Copy B “Do not include any Reserve or Guard unit activation under Title 10 U.S.C. or Full Time National Guard Duty under Title 32 U.S.C. Sections 316, 502, 503, 504, or 505.”

PAGE 2 – INSTRUCTIONS FOR VA FORM 26-1880

B. MILITARY SERVICE

4. Copy A Item 9C change “Active Service (not including Active Duty Training or Active Guard Reserve service) - the best evidence to show your service is your discharge certificate (DD Form 214) showing active duty dates and type of discharge. If you were separated after October 1, 1979, the DD214 was issued in several parts (copies). We are required to have a copy showing the character of service (Item 24) and the narrative reason for separation (Item 28). We prefer the MEMBER-4 copy, however, we can accept any copy that contains these items. The copy number is shown on the bottom right of the form. We don't need the original; a photocopy is acceptable. Any Veterans Services Representative in the nearest Department of Veterans Affairs office or center will assist you in securing necessary proof of military service.” to Copy B “Active Service (does not include Active Duty Training or Active Reserve service) - the best evidence to show your service is your discharge certificate (DD Form 214), which indicates both character of service and the narrative reason for separation. While we prefer the MEMBER-4 copy, we will accept any copy that contains these items. For National Guard members who served full time duty under Title 32 U.S.C. Sections 316, 502, 503, 504, or 505, a DD Form 220, Report of Active Service, accompanied by orders for the same period is also acceptable. We don't need the original documents; photocopies are acceptable. Any Veterans Services Representative in the nearest Department of Veterans Affairs office or center will assist you in securing necessary proof of military service.”

5. Copy A “Item 9DC” change to Copy B “Item 9D”.