50 U.S.C. § 4012 — Certificates of service; persons reported missing

(a) Prima facie evidence. In a proceeding under this chapter, a certificate signed by the responsible Secretary is initial evidence of the stated facts: (1) whether a named person is, is not, has been, or has not been in military service^*; (2) when and where the person entered; (3) the person’s residence then; (4) rank, branch, and unit on entry; (5) the inclusive service dates; (6) monthly pay at issuance; and (7) when and where service ended or the person was released, or that the person died during service.

(b) Certificates. After an application, the responsible Secretary must provide the certificate. A certificate that appears to bear the Secretary’s signature is initial evidence of its contents and the signer’s authority.

(c) Treatment of servicemembers in missing status. A servicemember^* reported missing is presumed to remain in service until accounted for. A chapter requirement that begins or ends at the member’s death does not begin or end until the death is reported to or determined by the responsible Secretary or a court^* with jurisdiction.