TRENTON, N.J. — The New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs will establish a digital database for veteran separation documents under a newly advanced bill aimed at simplifying access to veteran benefits.
The database will serve as a centralized location for storing documents such as the DD-214 and NGB-22, which are required to confirm military service and discharge status when applying for benefits. Access will be restricted to public agencies and used solely to determine eligibility for veterans or their family members.
Veterans or their families may voluntarily submit these documents, including posthumously by immediate relatives of deceased veterans. According to the bill, a veteran is defined as any individual who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces, the Reserves, or the National Guard in any state.
“The purpose of the database will be to create a central location for storing digital copies of veteran separation documents such as a DD-214 or NGB-22 form,” the statement reads.
The Department of Military and Veterans Affairs will control database access and develop procedures to ensure documents are used only in compliance with legal standards.
Security protections and legal safeguards
The bill includes specific security protections. The database will not fall under the Open Public Records Act (OPRA) or common law public records access. Any individual who misuses the information in the separation documents will face disorderly persons charges, with penalties that may include fines, imprisonment, or both.
To raise awareness, the department will promote the database on its official website and encourage use among New Jersey veterans and their families.
The database aims to reduce document loss and streamline repeated submission requirements in benefit applications, addressing a common challenge veterans face when accessing services.
