Army National Guard Sergeant, Ronnie Lee, was fully prepared for the VA, keeping every record he could after his 12 years of service. DD  form 214, is the certificate of release or discharge form from active duty. This form holds information that is vital to receiving benefits and services provided by the VA. It is important to document injuries or mental conditions while active, to give the VA proof in order to receive care and compensation. If no proof can be shown to link disabilities back to active duty service, veterans may be subject to paying for their own insurance as well as going without any benefits from the veterans benefits association.