I was told there was a fire and a lot of the VA records were destroyed. Since she and my dad both served around the same time I have his original records but have nothing on her. She has Alzheimer's and can not recall anything about her service history. I finally gave up and applied for Dad's. I was told by our local VA office that I can't do anything until I receive his DD214. Is that correct or is there anything I can do until they come?
Don't let the report of a fire dissuade you - there isn't just one set of records on our service men & women!
Go here: http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/standard-form-180.html
Be sure to scroll down to the bottom for info on "emergency" requests.
If the National Archives cannot come up with anything, there are many other ways to prove eligible service for benefits...but this is where you should start.