VA Form FL70-2: Request Identifying Info for Veteran

VA Form FL70-2: Request Identifying Info for Veteran – If you have contacted the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) about a Veteran’s benefits, records, or claim and received a request for more details, you may encounter VA Form FL70-2. Officially titled “Request to Correspondent for Identifying Information Regarding Veteran,” this form letter helps VA staff locate the correct records when the initial correspondence lacks sufficient identifying information.

This guide explains what VA Form FL70-2 is, why the VA uses it, how to complete it accurately, and where to download the official version. All information is based on current official VA resources for U.S. residents and Veterans.

What Is VA Form FL70-2?

VA Form FL70-2 is a standardized form letter issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Its full name is Request to Correspondent for Identifying Information Regarding Veteran. The current revision dates to July 2002 (FL 70-2 JUL 2002).

According to the official VA forms page, the form is used when incoming correspondence does not contain enough accurate information for VA personnel to identify the specific Veteran’s record. The VA sends this letter to the correspondent (the person who wrote to the VA) so they can supply additional details.

The form is approved under OMB Control Number 2900-0028. The estimated respondent burden is only 5 minutes.

You can download the official PDF directly from the VA website: Download VA Form FL70-2 (PDF).

Purpose of VA Form FL70-2

The primary purpose of VA Form FL70-2 is to obtain the additional identifying information needed to locate a Veteran’s claim file, insurance file, or other VA records. Without this information, the VA cannot process the original request—whether it involves a benefit claim, filing material in a claims folder, or responding to an inquiry.

Federal Register notices and OMB documentation confirm that the form is used “to obtain additional information from a correspondent when the incoming correspondence does not provide sufficient information to identify a Veteran.” VA staff then use the completed form to:

  • Identify the correct Veteran
  • Determine the location of the specific file
  • Accomplish the action requested by the correspondent

Disclosure of the requested information is voluntary. However, if the information is not provided, the VA will be unable to take further action on the correspondence. Failure to furnish the information has no other adverse effect on the Veteran or the correspondent.

Who Receives and Completes VA Form FL70-2?

VA Form FL70-2 is sent by the VA to the person or organization (the “correspondent”) who originally contacted the agency. This can include:

  • Veterans themselves
  • Family members or survivors
  • Accredited representatives
  • Attorneys or other authorized third parties
  • Anyone who wrote to the VA about a Veteran’s records or benefits

The form is completed by the recipient of the letter and returned to the VA along with the original correspondence (if it was enclosed).

Information Requested on VA Form FL70-2

The form asks the correspondent to complete as many of the following items as possible:

  1. Claim File No. (include prefix)
  2. Insurance File No. or Other Insurance Nos. (include prefix)
  3. Last Name – First Name – Middle Name of Veteran
  4. Social Security No.
  5. Service No.
  6. Date Entered Service (Month, Day, Year)
  7. Date of Separation (Month, Day, Year)
  8. Date of Birth (Month, Day, Year)
  9. Date of Death, if Deceased (Month, Day, Year)
  10. Signature of Requestor
  11. Telephone No. (include Area Code)

Providing as much accurate information as possible significantly increases the chance that the VA can locate the correct records quickly.

How to Complete and Return VA Form FL70-2?

Follow these steps when you receive the form:

  1. Review the letter carefully. Note any reference numbers or addresses provided by the VA.
  2. Fill in every field for which you have accurate information. Use clear, legible handwriting or type the responses if possible.
  3. Sign and date the form in the designated space and include a current telephone number with area code.
  4. Return the completed form together with your original correspondence (if the VA enclosed it) to the address indicated on the letter.
  5. Keep a copy of the completed form and any supporting documents for your records.

The information is solicited under the authority of Title 38, United States Code. A Privacy Act statement appears on the form explaining how the data may be used and disclosed.

Official Download Link for VA Form FL70-2

Always obtain VA forms from official government sources to ensure you have the current version. The official download link for VA Form FL70-2 is:

https://www.va.gov/vaforms/va/pdf/FL70-2.pdf

You can also find the form listed on the VA’s official forms page: VA Form FL70-2 page.

Related VA Resources for Veterans and Correspondents

While completing VA Form FL70-2, you may also find these official resources helpful:

Tips for a Successful Response

  • Double-check spelling of the Veteran’s full name and any file or Social Security numbers.
  • Include any known claim number, service number, or insurance numbers with the correct prefixes.
  • Provide dates in the requested Month/Day/Year format.
  • If the Veteran is deceased, include the date of death when available.
  • Respond promptly so the VA can continue processing your original request without unnecessary delay.

Conclusion

VA Form FL70-2 plays an important role in helping the Department of Veterans Affairs accurately identify Veterans’ records when initial correspondence is incomplete. By carefully completing and returning this short form, correspondents enable the VA to locate the correct files and take the requested action.

Download the official form today from the VA website, complete it with accurate information, and return it promptly. For the most current guidance, always refer to official VA sources.

Official Download: VA Form FL70-2 PDF