VA requests relevant service records, to include facts and circumstances surrounding the incident(s) resulting in the discharge, from the appropriate service department. VA concurrently sends a letter to the claimant, which invites him/her to furnish any statements or evidence that may shed light on any extenuating circumstances regarding the other-than-honorable discharge. A claimant may also request a hearing at a VA Regional Office for the purpose of presenting evidence. VA also offers assistance to the claimant for obtaining third-party evidence. The claimant must provide a signed release of information, the name and mailing address of the third party, and the type of information to be released. While it is still the claimant’s responsibility to ensure the evidence is provided, VA will use the release of information and attempt to obtain evidence on behalf of the claimant.