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Comment by patwolf | Hacker News Reader

I previously tried getting military records for my deceased grandfather. From what I can recall, it was complicated by the fact that I wasn't "next of kin", which would limit the data I'd have access to. Even my parent, who was next of kin, would have needed additional paperwork as proof, e.g. a death/marriage certificate for my grandmother.

On one hand, if this works then I'll be happy to have the information I otherwise wouldn't have. But on the other hand, all these processes, no matter how convoluted, exist for a reason. It feels weird bypassing those.

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The processes for getting these very particular records (C-Files, as opposed to something like an OMPF or other better known military records) has been horrendously broken for years. They were almost completely inaccessible from this specific agency (the VBA, inside the VA) their entire existence. Only 5% of the files have been turned over to NARA, even for records that are very old.

And even now, the “processes” to get the records, as defined by a 58+-year-old law (FOIA) are not really being followed. An agency refusing to process any FOIA requests except by fax (!) is insane, in this day and age. But more specifically, it’s against the law. A letter AND an e-mail are supposed to work. Hence our use of a fax API on this website…

Furthermore, the “requirement” that a FOIA requester must hand-sign the paperwork is absolutely made up by this agency. Hence our signature widget on this website…

Point being, if they’re going to shamelessly ignore or misinterpret the federal law, we are going to just jump through those hoops and say no, we want the files, please do your jobs.

But that may be bad actually.

>From what I can recall, it was complicated by the fact that I wasn't "next of kin", which would limit the data I'd have access to.

My state has a process for claiming unclaimed funds that banks and such report to the government and that is what is keeping me from claiming some funds my grandmother has listed on the site. It's not even clear to me what constitutes 'next of kin' legally, presumably it'd be one of her kids, but it's not like we have laws designating the oldest male heir and then on down the list.

Your state should have information on their unclaimed property page to contact someone who can explain what documentation is necessary to establish legal order next of kin chain from your ancestor to whomever is claiming the property they are acting as custodian for. Call them! Most are usually very helpful.

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