In preparing your VA claim for disability compensation, it is vitally important to request military medical records, also called Service Treatment Records (STR). These records are often key to the decision made about your claim.
It is also vitally important that you review these records to make sure they’re accurate. Any inaccuracies in your records have the potential of damaging your VA claim.
Your military-medical records may very well provide the information needed by the VA to prove the service-connection for your disability.
How to Request Military Medical Records
Generally speaking, your military records are free to request from the Federal Government, so be sure to avoid any companies that advertise getting you copies of your records for a fee. They are a scam!
First of all, only you or your next-of-kin may request military medical records.
Before you start to request military medical records, be sure to have the following information:
- Your complete name used in service
- Place of birth and birthday
- Your service number
- Social security number
- Your branch of service
- Dates of service
Once you’re ready, there are a few options available for submitting your request. The fastest option is via eVetRecs. This is the online program for the National Archives. Fill out the online form and provide as much information as possible in the comments section to make sure you get YOUR records.
If you’d rather not go the online route, you can submit a request using Standard Form 180. You can download and print a PDF of this form HERE!.
Or, you can order a form by writing to:
National Personnel Records Center
1 Archives Drive
St. Louis, Missouri 63138
Fill out the SF-180 and return it to the same address, or fax it to 314-801-9195.
Where are My Records?
The VA Records Management Center, in St. Louis, MO is where the bulk of active duty health records have been stored since 2014.
However, before 2014 there was a roughly 20-year period where each branch of the government retired their medical records to the VA at different locations. If you were discharged from the early 90s through 2014, the VA will direct you to contact information for the correct location of your records.
The locations are as follows by military branch and the dates they used the location:*
| Branch | Status | Date | Record Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Army | Discharged, retired, or separated from any component | 10/16/1992 to 12/31/2013 | Department of VA, Records Management Center |
| on or after 01/01/2014 | AMEDD Record Processing Center | ||
| Navy | Discharged, retired, or separated from any component | 01/31/1994 to 12/31/2013 | Department of VA, Records Management Center |
| on or after 01/01/2014 | BUMED Navy Medicine Records Activity | ||
| Air Force | Discharged, retired, or separated from any component | 05/01/1994 to 12/31/2013 | Department of VA, Records Management Center |
| on or after 01/01/2014 | AF STR Processing Center | ||
| Discharged or retired from Reserves or National Guard | 06/01/1994 to 12/31/2013 | Department of VA, Records Management Center | |
| on or after 01/01/2014 | AF STR Processing Center | ||
| Marine Corps | Discharged, retired, or separated from any component | 05/01/1994 to 12/31/2013 | Department of VA, Records Management Center |
| on or after 01/01/2014 | BUMED Navy Medicine Records Activity | ||
| Coast Guard | Discharged, retired, or separated from Active Duty – Reservists with 90 days active duty for training | 04/01/1998 to 09/30/2014 | Department of VA, Records Management Center |
What to Expect After Submitting Your Request
The NPRC processes almost 20,000 requests for military medical records per week, so the time to process your request can vary. However, the NPRC states that 92% of military medical record requests are processed within 10 days, although they also state that certain types of health records may involve delays.
Why It’s Worth the Time to Obtain Your Military Medical Records
As stated earlier, before submitting your claim for disability compensation to the VA you will want to verify that your military medical records are complete and accurate.
It’s no secret that the VA Medical Record system has been a giant mess. Many thousands of records are still in print and being converted to digital as we speak. It’s been estimated that the entire log of records would stack 5 miles high!
This has caused significant delays in conversion. It also means that there is plenty of room for human error while compiling your data.
On top of that, there are separate records kept for any instances where you may have had an inpatient hospital stay. In such circumstances, clinical records were generated and sent to the NPRC by that facility, NOT by the military branch. This can lead to misplaced records.
Then, you can work to fix any mistakes or missing information before submitting your claim. To learn the 3 MOST important steps to take when filing your claim, read our post here.
Getting the Help You Need
Now that you know why obtaining your military medical records can benefit you, there should be little reason for you not to request military medical records.
The more information you possess on your condition and history with it, the more power is in your hands!
Top 3 Reasons WHY VA Claims Get DENIED (*LIVE* with Brian Reese VA)
However, if you still do not feel comfortable with the process of obtaining those records, or if you feel like you could use some expert assistance with putting together a stronger VA claim, we would love to help you!
At VA Claims Insider, we have gathered an amazing team of ELITE VA Insiders who know the in’s and out’s of the VA system and want to help veterans navigate it successfully. To sign up, just click HERE!
*Chart from the National Archives official site
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About VA Claims Insider
VA Claims Insider is an education-based coaching/consulting company. We’re here for disabled veterans exploring eligibility for increased VA disability benefits and who wish to learn more about that process. We also connect veterans with independent medical professionals in our referral network for medical examinations, disability evaluations, and credible independent medical opinions and nexus statements (medical nexus letters) for a wide range of disability conditions.
