VA Form 21-4142: A 4-Step Quick Guide for Veterans

VA Form 21-4142, also known as the Authorization to Disclose Information to the VA, is a form that permits the release of a veteran’s records to the VA from non-VA sources, including hospitals or private doctor’s offices. 

For example, veterans may wish to release personal information from outpatient care, medical treatment, psychotherapy, or hospitalizations. By signing Form 21-4142, you allow the VA to obtain information regarding your medical history and any treatments received. 

You are usually charged when requesting medical records from a doctor or hospital. However, when you ask the regional VA office, they can directly order the records, usually waiving any administrative copying fees as a service to veterans. 

If payment of a fee is required to obtain a document, the VA must advise the claimant that the agency is not authorized to pay the fee and advise him or her how to secure the evidence. 

4 Steps to Filling Out VA Form 21-4142

Veterans can fill out VA Form 21-4142 by hand or online and submit it in person, electronically, by mail, or by visiting your local VA Regional Office. If you want to speed up the process, you should submit it electronically for the fastest response. 

While the form is straightforward, veterans should only use it if their medical records are from private doctors and facilities, not VA hospitals or treatment centers. 

Here’s an overview of what to expect while filling out VA Form 4142 and what information you need to provide. 

Step One: Complete Identifying Information

Section I of VA Form 21-4142 is where veterans will find the identifying information section requesting their basic information, including the following:

• Name 
• Social Security Number 
• VA File Number
• Date of Birth
• Veteran’s Service Number (if applicable) 
• Mailing Address
• Phone Number
• Email Address

You also can check whether you agree to receive email correspondence regarding your claim, so ensure you don’t miss any boxes on the form. Any incomplete documents will lengthen the processing time. 

In addition, if someone other than the veteran is filling out the information, they must add their name, social security number, and VA file number (if applicable) in Section II. 

Step Two: Source of Records Information 

Section III on VA Form 21-4142 lists sources the VA can contact to receive medical documents and information. 

This list includes:

• All medical sources, including clinics, labs, hospitals, physicians, psychologists, and VA healthcare facilities
• Social workers and rehabilitation counselors 
• Mental health, addiction, and correctional treatment facilities 
• Consulting examiners used by the VA 
• Employers, workers’ compensation programs, and insurance companies
• Additional people who may know of your condition, like family members, neighbors, friends, or public officials 

The second part of VA Form 21-4142 is referred to as VA Form 21-4142a and allows you to list medical provider information with approximate dates of treatment. However, if you don’t know the exact treatment dates, you should include a range to ensure the inclusion of all records. 

Both documents are essential because if you see a private physician or hospital, you must authorize the release of medical information to the VA. 

Since the sheet only allows space for three providers, you can photocopy the form and include additional information. You can also write it on a separate paper, ensuring you keep all documents together. 

Step Three: Records Released to VA 

Section IV includes the medical information you are releasing to the VA, including, but not limited to, the following:

• Information about hospitalization, treatment, and outpatient care 
• Psychological, psychiatric, and other mental impairment(s), excluding “psychotherapy notes”
• Drug abuse, alcoholism, or other substance abuse 
• Records indicating the presence of a communicable or non-communicable disease 
• Gene-related impairments 
• Additional information about your ability to work, perform daily tasks, and participate in activities of everyday life
• Medical information received within 12 months after the signature’s date on the form 

You do not need to fill out VA Form 21-4142 if you intend to obtain the records or if you have already provided the records to the VA. Doing so will extend the claim processing time. 

Step Four: Sign and Authorize for Release of Information to VA 

Finally, veterans must sign and date VA Form 21 4142, including applicable limitations. In addition, if the signature is not from the veteran or claimant, they must include their relationship with the client. 

Once signed, the form permits the VA to obtain your medical records for 12 months. However, you can suspend permission with a written letter to the VA. 

Pro Tip:

Most medical practices purge their records every 7-10 years, so if you received treatment long ago, you can still add it to your form but know the record might not be available. 

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