Records & Documentation Recovery Initiative
For anyone blocked by missing, lost, withheld, or destroyed records standing between them and benefits, legal standing, or accountability.
One of the most common — and most damaging — failures we see isn’t a denial. It’s a missing file. RDRI exists because records get lost, withheld, or destroyed, and that single gap can block someone from benefits, legal standing, or simple accountability for years. CFW’s FOIA expertise anchors this initiative.
Three of the five programs below are built around military service records specifically, since that’s where the most common record gaps occur. The fourth — FOIA & Privacy Act Assistance — extends to anyone fighting a federal records request, regardless of military service.
“A missing record isn’t a paperwork problem. It’s a door someone closed on purpose or by neglect — either way, we document which.”
How This Initiative Works
Five programs spanning military records, civilian FOIA requests, and the evidence work that connects them.
DD214 Recovery Assistance
Helps veterans locate, request, and reconstruct discharge documents lost or never properly issued by the military.
Lost Service Record Reconstruction
Rebuilds military service histories from alternate sources when primary records are missing, incomplete, or destroyed.
Medical Records Recovery Support
Assists veterans in obtaining medical records from VA facilities, private hospitals, and military treatment facilities needed for claims or legal cases.
FOIA & Privacy Act Assistance
Guides veterans, whistleblowers, government employees, contractors, and journalists through the federal records request process — tracking responses, challenging improper denials, and documenting obstruction patterns across agencies.
Benefits Evidence Reconstruction
Organizes and rebuilds the evidentiary record needed to support denied or stalled benefits claims when original documentation is incomplete.
Missing the Records You Need?
Whether it’s a discharge document or a federal agency stonewalling a FOIA request, tell us what’s missing and we’ll start building the record.