What is the Beneficiary Identification Records Locator Subsystem (BIRLS)?

BIRLS is an electronic information system used and administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Veteran Benefits Administration (VBA) that contains personal identifiable information to identify a Veteran.

BIRLS is an identification tool used by the Center for Veterans Enterprise (CVE) to verify that an applicant is a Veteran; however, it is not the only tool used by CVE for the verification process.

How do you get into BIRLS?

A Veteran is entered into BIRLS when they apply for any benefit (compensation and pension, education, medical, housing assistance and burial) from the VA.

Benefits of using BIRLS

What are the benefits of using BIRLS?

BIRLS allows the VA to have more accurate records regarding Veterans and their benefits.

What are the benefits of using BIRLS in the verification program?

BIRLS allows the verification program an easier method to confirm Veteran information such as status of character of service, service disability confirmation, and surviving spouse benefits.  However, it is not the only method used to verify this information.