How to Get VA & Military Medical Records
How do I request my VA and military medical records?
Submit SF-180 through eVetRecs for service treatment records (30-90 day processing), or access VA health records instantly through My HealtheVet's Blue Button feature. Family members can request records with proof of relationship and proper authorization. The 2022 PACT Act expanded benefits for veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxins, making complete medical records essential for new presumptive condition claims.
Military records sit across multiple agencies, and the request process is not obvious. This guide gives you the exact steps to get service treatment records, VA health records, and the documents you need for a disability claim — including what to do if your records were destroyed in the 1973 fire.
Types of Military Medical Records
Military and VA medical records are held by different agencies, and mixing them up wastes time. Know which type you need before you submit a request.
Service Treatment Records (STRs)
EssentialMedical records created during active military service, including inpatient and outpatient care
DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge)
EssentialOfficial discharge document showing service dates, character of discharge, and military occupational specialty
VA Health Records
EssentialMedical records from treatment at VA medical centers and clinics after separation
Official Military Personnel File (OMPF)
Complete service record including assignments, promotions, and performance evaluations
Unit/Organizational Records
Records from the unit level documenting deployments, environmental exposures, and operations
Disability Claims Documentation
EssentialRecords specifically gathered or generated for VA disability compensation claims
Important: Service treatment records (STRs) and VA health records are maintained by different agencies. STRs are stored at the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC), while VA health records are managed by the VA medical facility where you received care.
Requesting Service Treatment Records (STRs)
Service treatment records are the backbone of most VA disability claims. They document every medical encounter during your active service and are held by the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) in St. Louis. Getting them right the first time saves months.
What STRs Include
- •Enlistment and separation physical examinations - baseline and exit health assessments
- •Inpatient hospital records - treatment at military hospitals during service
- •Outpatient clinical notes - sick call visits, clinic appointments, and follow-ups
- •Dental treatment records - all dental care during service
- •Immunization records - vaccinations received before and during deployment
- •Occupational health records - hearing tests, exposure screenings, and flight physicals
Three Ways to Request STRs
1. Online via eVetRecs (Recommended)
Submit SF-180 electronically through the eVetRecs system at www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records. The system generates a signature-ready form that you print, sign, and mail or fax to NPRC. This is the fastest method for initiating a request.
2. By Mail (Standard Form 180)
Download SF-180 from the National Archives website, complete it, sign it, and mail to: National Personnel Records Center, 1 Archives Drive, St. Louis, MO 63138. Include a copy of your government-issued photo ID.
3. By Fax
Fax your completed SF-180 with signature and photo ID copy to NPRC at (314) 801-0764. Fax requests are processed in the same queue as mail requests.
Information Required for SF-180
Required Information:
- • Full name used during service
- • Service number or Social Security number
- • Branch of service
- • Dates of service (approximate if unknown)
- • Date and place of birth
- • Signature (must be original or digital)
Helpful but Optional:
- • DD-214 copy
- • Place of discharge
- • Last unit of assignment
- • Specific records requested
- • Purpose of request (speeds processing)
The 1973 NPRC Fire: What Veterans Need to Know
On July 12, 1973, a catastrophic fire at the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis destroyed approximately 16 to 18 million official military personnel files. No duplicate copies or microfilm existed for the vast majority of these records. If you served during the affected period, your records may have been partially or fully destroyed.
Records Most Affected
Army Records Lost:
Personnel discharged between November 1, 1912, and January 1, 1964, whose last names fall alphabetically after Hubbard, James E. Approximately 80% of Army records from this period were destroyed.
Air Force Records Lost:
Personnel with surnames from Hubbard, James E. through Z, discharged between September 25, 1947, and January 1, 1964. Approximately 75% of Air Force records from this period were destroyed.
Record Reconstruction Options
If your records were destroyed, NPRC can attempt reconstruction using alternative sources:
- •Surgeon General's Office (SGO) records - hospital admission cards maintained separately from personnel files
- •Unit morning reports - daily unit records that may document hospitalizations and injuries
- •Organizational records - records maintained at the unit level
- •State Adjutant General records - some states maintained copies of military records
- •VA claims files - if you ever filed a VA claim, your records may be in the VA system
- •Personal copies - any copies you or your family retained
For Veterans Affected by the Fire: When submitting SF-180, note that your records may have been fire-affected. Provide as much detail as possible about your service, including specific units, duty stations, and dates of medical treatment. NPRC has dedicated staff for fire-related reconstruction requests. Processing may take 6 months or longer.
Using eVetRecs and SF-180
eVetRecs is the National Archives' online portal for requesting military service records. It walks you through a form, generates a pre-filled SF-180, and you sign it and mail or fax it to NPRC. It does not submit the request for you — that step still requires a signature.
1Go to the eVetRecs Website
Visit www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records and select "Request Military Service Records." You will be guided through the online form to identify which records you need and provide your service information.
2Complete the Online Form
Enter your service information, including:
- •Veteran's name (as used during service)
- •Service number and/or Social Security number
- •Branch of service and dates of service
- •Type of records requested (medical, personnel, or both)
- •Purpose of request (VA claim, personal, employment, etc.)
3Print, Sign, and Submit
The system generates a pre-filled SF-180. Print the form, sign it with a wet signature (required for authentication), and mail or fax it to NPRC. Without a signature, your request will be returned unprocessed. Include a copy of your government-issued photo ID.
4Track Your Request
After submitting, you can check your request status online. NPRC will mail records to the address you provided. If additional information is needed, NPRC will contact you by mail. Keep your confirmation number for status inquiries.
Pro Tip: When specifying records on the SF-180, check both "Medical Records" and "Complete Medical Records" boxes. Be specific about date ranges and note any particular conditions or treatments you need documented. Vague requests may result in incomplete records.
Accessing VA Health Records Through My HealtheVet
My HealtheVet (myhealth.va.gov) is the fastest way to get your VA treatment records. With a Premium account, you can download your complete VA health history the same day — no waiting, no paperwork.
Account Levels
Basic Account
LimitedSelf-registration online. Access to health education content, prescription refills (if previously verified), and wellness tools. Cannot view health records.
Advanced Account
ModerateOnline identity verification through VA systems. Access to self-entered health data, prescription tracking, and some VA appointment features.
Premium Account
Required for RecordsRequires in-person identity verification at a VA medical facility or through ID.me or Login.gov. Full access to all VA health records, Blue Button download, lab results, clinical notes, secure messaging, and prescription management.
What You Can Access Online
- •VA health summaries and visit notes
- •Lab and pathology results
- •Radiology reports
- •Medication and prescription history
- •Allergy and immunization records
- •Clinical notes from VA providers
- •Vitals and health measurements
- •Appointment history and upcoming visits
Note: My HealtheVet only contains records from VA medical facilities. It does not include service treatment records from active duty, records from private providers, or records from military treatment facilities (MTFs). For those records, you need to submit SF-180 through NPRC or contact the specific facility directly.
VA Blue Button: Download Your Complete Records
The Blue Button feature inside My HealtheVet lets you download your complete VA health records in minutes. Use it before filing a disability claim, before switching providers, or anytime you need a full picture of your VA treatment history.
How to Use Blue Button
- 1Log in to your Premium My HealtheVet account at myhealth.va.gov
- 2Navigate to Health Records and select Blue Button Report
- 3Select the date range for the records you need (or select all available)
- 4Choose the types of information to include (lab results, notes, medications, etc.)
- 5Select PDF or text file format and click download
What Blue Button Includes
- •VA Health Summary - full overview of your health conditions and treatments
- •VA Continuity of Care Document (CCD) - standardized summary for sharing with non-VA providers
- •Lab and test results - complete laboratory and pathology findings
- •Clinical notes - provider notes from all VA visits
- •Self-entered health information - any data you have manually entered
For Disability Claims: Download your complete Blue Button report before filing a VA disability claim. This gives you a complete record of all VA treatment that can support your claim. Print an extra copy to share with your Veterans Service Organization (VSO) representative.
Records for VA Disability Claims
VA disability claims fail most often because of missing documentation, not because the condition does not qualify. The VA requires three specific elements, and each one needs its own records. See also our disability claims records guide for broader documentation strategy.
The Three Elements of a VA Claim
1. In-Service Event or Injury
Evidence that an event, injury, or illness occurred during military service.
Records needed: Service treatment records showing treatment for the condition, incident reports, buddy statements from fellow service members, deployment records showing environmental exposures.
2. Current Medical Diagnosis
A current diagnosis of the condition you are claiming.
Records needed: Current VA or private medical records with a clear diagnosis, diagnostic test results (MRI, X-ray, lab work), specialist evaluations.
3. Medical Nexus (Connection)
A medical opinion linking your current condition to your military service.
Records needed: A nexus letter from a physician stating that your condition is "at least as likely as not" related to military service, Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam results, medical literature supporting the connection.
Key Forms and Documents
- •VA Form 21-526EZ - Application for Disability Compensation
- •VA Form 21-4142 - Authorization to release private medical records to VA
- •VA Form 21-4138 - Statement in Support of Claim (for buddy statements)
- •Disability Benefits Questionnaires (DBQs) - Condition-specific forms your doctor can complete
- •Nexus letter - Independent medical opinion linking condition to service
Fully Developed Claim (FDC) Program
The VA's Fully Developed Claim program offers faster processing (average 3-5 months vs. 12+ months for standard claims) when you submit all supporting evidence upfront. This means gathering your STRs, VA health records, private medical records, nexus letter, and all supporting documentation before filing. Use a Veterans Service Organization (VSO) to help you compile a complete FDC package.
PACT Act & Toxic Exposure Records
The PACT Act of 2022 is the largest expansion of VA benefits in decades. It adds presumptive service connection for conditions tied to burn pits, Agent Orange, radiation, and other toxic exposures — meaning you no longer need a nexus letter if your condition is on the presumptive list. Complete records are still essential to establish where and when you served.
Key PACT Act Deadlines
- Aug 10, 2023:All post-9/11 combat veterans became eligible for 10 years of VA healthcare (previously 5 years)
- Jan 1, 2025:All remaining toxic exposure presumptive conditions took effect
- Ongoing:Veterans can file claims at any time; no deadline to apply for PACT Act benefits
Burn Pit Exposure
Veterans who served in Iraq, Afghanistan, Southwest Asia, or other locations with open burn pits may qualify for presumptive service connection for over 20 conditions including:
- • Cancers (bladder, head, neck, respiratory, reproductive, kidney, melanoma, pancreatic, any type of reproductive cancer)
- • Chronic sinusitis, rhinitis, laryngitis
- • Constrictive bronchiolitis, constrictive pericarditis
- • Glioblastoma, lymphatic cancer, lymphomatic cancer
Agent Orange & Herbicide Exposure
The PACT Act added new presumptive conditions for Vietnam-era veterans and those who served in Thailand, Guam, American Samoa, Johnston Atoll, and other test/storage sites:
- • Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS)
- • High blood pressure (hypertension)
- • All cancers previously covered plus new additions
- • Expanded location presumptions beyond Vietnam
Records Strategy for PACT Act Claims
1. Gather deployment records: Request your complete service treatment records including deployment health assessments (DD Form 2796) and post-deployment health reassessments (DD Form 2900). These establish where and when you served.
2. Document toxic exposure: Request your personnel records showing unit assignments and duty stations. The VA's Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry enrollment records also support your claim.
3. Collect current medical evidence: Obtain VA health records through My HealtheVet showing current diagnoses. Private medical records with nexus opinions linking conditions to service strengthen your claim significantly.
4. File promptly: While there is no deadline for PACT Act claims, filing sooner means earlier effective dates for benefits. Veterans who previously had claims denied for toxic-exposure conditions should file supplemental claims with new evidence under the PACT Act.
Family Members' Rights to Access Records
Family members can access a veteran's records, but the rules differ for living and deceased veterans. Know which category applies before you start the request — the required documents are different in each case.
For Living Veterans
- •Written authorization required: The veteran must provide a signed authorization naming the family member and specifying which records may be released
- •Power of Attorney (POA): A legal POA may authorize record access on behalf of a veteran who is incapacitated or unable to make requests
- •VA Form 21-0845: Authorization to Disclose Personal Information to a Third Party
- •Caregiver designation: VA-designated caregivers may have access to health records relevant to the veteran's care
For Deceased Veterans
Next of kin (NOK) can request records of deceased veterans. For a detailed guide, see our deceased family member records guide.
- •Unremarried surviving spouse - first priority for record access
- •Children (including adult children) - can request with proof of relationship
- •Parents - can request with proof of parentage
- •Executor or administrator of the estate - with court documentation
Documents Required for NOK Requests
- •Death certificate of the veteran
- •Proof of relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate)
- •Government-issued photo ID of the requestor
- •Completed SF-180 with Section II indicating next-of-kin status
- •Letters testamentary or letters of administration (if applicable)
Timeline Expectations
Processing times vary widely. My HealtheVet delivers VA records instantly. NPRC requests for service treatment records take 30 to 90 days under normal conditions. Fire-affected records take six months or longer. Plan accordingly.
My HealtheVet (VA Records Online)
InstantDownload available immediately with a Premium account. Records are generated on-demand through the Blue Button feature.
VA Release of Information (Paper Request)
20-30 daysWritten requests to your local VA medical center's Release of Information (ROI) office are typically processed within 20 to 30 business days.
NPRC Standard Request (STRs)
30-90 daysStandard SF-180 requests to NPRC for service treatment records typically take 30 to 90 days. Requests associated with pending VA claims may be prioritized.
NPRC Fire-Affected Records
6+ monthsRecord reconstruction for fire-affected files can take 6 months or longer, depending on the availability of alternative source documents and the complexity of the reconstruction.
DD-214 Replacement
2-4 monthsReplacement DD-214 requests through NPRC typically take 2 to 4 months. Some states maintain copies at the county recorder's office, which may be faster to obtain.
Speed Up Your Request: Provide complete and accurate information on your SF-180 to avoid delays. Include your DD-214 copy if available, specify exact dates of service, and clearly indicate the purpose of your request. If you have a pending VA disability claim, note this on your form for potential expedited processing.
Records for Survivors and Deceased Veterans
Survivors often need a veteran's records to claim DIC benefits, burial benefits, or establish service-connected death. The sooner you request, the sooner benefits can be processed — and benefits have effective date rules that reward prompt filing.
Common Reasons Survivors Need Records
- •DIC claims: Dependency and Indemnity Compensation for surviving spouses and dependents when death was service-connected
- •Burial and memorial benefits: Establishing eligibility for VA burial benefits, headstones, and memorial certificates
- •Accrued benefits: Claiming benefits the veteran was entitled to but had not yet received at the time of death
- •Historical and genealogical research: Documenting family military history
- •Legal proceedings: Establishing service connection for wrongful death or malpractice claims
How to Request Records of a Deceased Veteran
- 1Gather required documents: Death certificate, proof of relationship (marriage or birth certificate), your photo ID, and veteran's DD-214 if available
- 2Complete SF-180: Fill in the veteran's information in Section I and your information as requestor in Section II, selecting "Next of Kin" as the relationship
- 3Submit to NPRC: Mail or fax the completed SF-180 with all supporting documents to the National Personnel Records Center
- 4Contact the VA directly: For VA health records of a deceased veteran, contact the Release of Information office at the VA medical center where the veteran received care
Privacy Note: Under HIPAA, certain protections for medical records continue for 50 years after death. However, next of kin and personal representatives generally have the right to access records for health-related, legal, or benefits purposes. If a request is denied, you may need to provide additional documentation of your authority. See our complete guide on deceased family member records for more details.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I request my military service treatment records (STRs)?
Submit Standard Form 180 (SF-180) through the eVetRecs system at www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records. You can also mail or fax the completed form to the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) at 1 Archives Drive, St. Louis, MO 63138. Processing typically takes 30 to 90 days.
Were my military records destroyed in the 1973 NPRC fire?
The fire primarily affected Army records for personnel discharged between November 1, 1912, and January 1, 1964, and Air Force records for personnel discharged between September 25, 1947, and January 1, 1964. NPRC can attempt record reconstruction using alternative sources such as Surgeon General's Office records, unit morning reports, and organizational records.
How do I access my VA health records online?
Register for a Premium My HealtheVet account at myhealth.va.gov. You will need to complete identity verification either in person at a VA medical facility or through ID.me or Login.gov. Once verified, use the Blue Button feature to view and download your complete VA health records.
What is the difference between STRs and VA health records?
Service treatment records (STRs) are medical records from your time in active military service, stored at NPRC. VA health records are from treatment at VA medical facilities after separation. STRs are requested via SF-180; VA records are accessed through My HealtheVet or your local VA Release of Information office.
What records do I need for a VA disability claim?
You need three categories of records: evidence of an in-service event (STRs, incident reports, buddy statements), a current medical diagnosis (VA or private medical records), and a medical nexus letter connecting your condition to service. The VA's Fully Developed Claim program offers faster processing if you submit all evidence upfront.
Can family members request a veteran's records?
For living veterans, family members need a signed written authorization or power of attorney. For deceased veterans, next of kin (surviving spouse, children, parents) can request records by providing a death certificate, proof of relationship, and a completed SF-180. The executor or administrator of the estate can also request records with court documentation.
How long does it take to get records from NPRC?
Standard requests take 30 to 90 days. Fire-affected record reconstructions can take 6 months or longer. Requests tied to pending VA disability claims may receive expedited processing. Providing complete information on your SF-180 and including your DD-214 copy helps avoid delays.
What records do I need for a PACT Act toxic exposure claim?
For PACT Act claims, you need deployment records showing service in qualifying locations (Iraq, Afghanistan, Southwest Asia, Vietnam, Thailand, or other designated areas), medical records documenting your current condition, and evidence of toxic exposure. Request your complete service treatment records via SF-180, enrollment records from the VA's Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry, and any post-deployment health assessments (DD Forms 2796 and 2900). Many PACT Act conditions are now presumptive, meaning you do not need a nexus letter if your condition is on the presumptive list.
What if I lost my DD-214?
You can request a replacement DD-214 through the same SF-180/eVetRecs process used for service treatment records. Processing typically takes 2 to 4 months. Check with your county recorder's office first, as many veterans filed copies locally at the time of discharge, which may be faster to obtain. Your state's Department of Veterans Affairs may also have a copy on file.
Related Guides
How to Request Medical Records
General guide to requesting medical records from any provider, including HIPAA rights and authorization requirements.
Disability Claims Records
Complete guide to gathering medical records for SSDI and long-term disability claims, including what evidence you need.
Deceased Family Member Records
How to obtain medical records of a deceased parent, spouse, or relative, including legal requirements and required documents.
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