Service treatment records (STRs) are the chronological medical records of a service member. STRs should include all medical, dental, and psychiatric treatment a Veteran received while in the Armed Forces. These records are key to your VA disability claim.
How to find veterans service records?
- National Contact Center (GSA) The National Contact Center, part of the General Services Administration, may be of help to you. ...
- The American Legion The American Legion provides a limited service for members to locate other members. ...
- Books and articles on locating members or former members of the military: Gormley, Myra Vanderpool. ...
How to get VA service records and claim file?
- Check claim or appeal status
- View your VA disability ratings
- File for increased disability
- Request a decision review or appeal
- Upload evidence to support your disability claim
- Change your address
- File additional forms for your disability claim
- Change your VA direct deposit information
- Share medical records
- Download VA benefit letters
How do I request my VA records?
- be a Veteran enrolled at a VA health care facility
- be a registered as a VA Patient in My HealtheVet
- have a My HealtheVet Premium* account
How to request VA records?
- Request to inspect or receive copies of public records, or both;
- Request that any charges for the requested records be estimated in advance;
- File a petition pursuant to § 2.2-3713 in district or circuit court to compel compliance with FOIA, if the requester believes that his or her FOIA rights have been violated; ...
- Request records by U.S. ...
What is a treatment record?
Treatment record means the record in which clinical information relating to the provision of physical, social and mental services is recorded and stored either electronically or on paper.
Does the VA have my service medical records?
To request your medical records, call 1-800-827-1000 VA claims number, and file a request with the VA to get them. If NPRC does not have the medical record you need, contact information will be provided for the Department of Veterans Affairs.
What type of records can be found within a Veteran's STRs?
III. ii. 2. A. 1. b. Definition: STRsService treatment records (STRs) are the chronological records (electronic or paper) documenting the medical and/or dental care and treatment received primarily outside of a hospital (i.e - outpatient) during service. ... Note: STRs are typically recalled when a Veteran.More items...
Can you make a VA claim without medical records?
If several attempts to find the missing medical evidence have failed, you can still win your VA disability case if you can find other evidence of the accident or treatment. The evidence in your file may show a sudden drop off in health or a leave from duty that can support your assertion that an event occurred.
How does the VA get your medical records?
In many cases, VA can obtain medical records directly from the VAMC where the veteran receives treatment. If a veteran wants to obtain these records themselves, they can request them directly from the VAMC by submitting VA Form 10-5345a, Individuals' Request for a Copy of Their Own Health Information.
How far back does the military check medical records?
The new system is called the Prescription Medication Reporting System (PMRS) and is used to pull seven years of prescription histories for all civilian recruits going to MEPS.
Can you look up military service records?
You can find veterans' military service records from World War I to the present from the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC). The NPRC houses many types of records, including Official Military Personnel Files (OMPF).
What are military medical records called?
OMPF Outpatient Medical Treatment Records – Called Service Treatment Records (STRS) Many OMPFs contain both personnel and active duty health records. Health records cover the outpatient, dental and mental health treatment that former members received while in military service.
What is a 201 file in the military?
A military personnel file (also called a 201 file in the United States Army) is a set of documents maintained by the US government for members of the United States armed forces. 201 files usually contain documents describing the member's military and civilian education history.
What is the VA 5 year rule?
The five-year rule states that the VA can't reduce a veteran's disability that's been in place for five years, unless the condition improved overtime on a sustained basis. The veteran will likely need to present medical evidence to prove the material improvement of their condition.
How do you prove anxiety is service connected?
When proving a service connection, you'll need records from around the time you first noticed the condition. These records can include statements from friends and family, reports of any counseling appointments you made, and information on your employment status.
What are the easiest things to claim for VA disability?
According to a recent Veterans Administration report to Congress, the ten most commonly awarded medical conditions that are getting approved for benefits are as follows:Tinnitus.Limitation of flexion (knee)Hearing loss.Lumbosacral or cervical strain (back and neck strains)Limitation of arm motion.General scars.More items...•
What types of records can I request with this tool?
You can request documents from your Official Military Personnel File to view and download.
What happens after I request my military records?
You’ll receive an email letting you know we’re processing your request. You’ll receive a second email when your request is complete and your files are ready for you to view and download.
Information to reconstruct your records
Find out if your records may have been destroyed in the 1973 fire at the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) in St. Louis, Missouri, and how to reconstruct your records to support a VA disability compensation claim.
Other records information
Set up your personal health record, and download medical records, reports, and images to share with your VA and non-VA doctors.
How to make sure VA has all of your information?
While the VA is responsible for assisting with the gathering the information that is relevant to your claim, the only way to make sure that the VA has all of the information related to your service and disabilities is to submit the records yourself, or with the assistance of your Veteran’s Service Officer (VSO).
Why is it important to include enough information in your request to accurately identify your service record?
Because there are so many records to sort through, it is important to include enough information in your request to accurately identify your service record. To save time, make sure to have the following information available when making your request. The veteran’s complete name; Service number and/or social security number;
How to check status of VSO?
After approximately 10 days, you or your VSO can check the status of your request through the Online Status Update Request form or by calling the Customer Service Line at 1-866-272-6272.
Can you fill in gaps in your military history?
If you are still unable to locate the records, you may be able to fill in gaps in your service history with statements from an officer or a buddy who served with you, or other medical records that can draw a connection between your service and your current disability. Although it can be frustrating, it is important to make sure ...
Can I get a copy of my military service records?
Obtaining Copies of Service Records. If you are a veteran of the U.S. military and have a current injury or condition that is connected to that service, you may be eligible for veterans’ disability compensation. While the VA is responsible for assisting with the gathering the information that is relevant to your claim, ...
What is an outpatient medical record?
An outpatient medical treatment record may contain documents covering several years from multiple MTFs. When these records reach inactive status, they are retired and usually identified by the MTF at which the patient was last treated or stationed.
How long are inactive medical records held?
Most inactive records are held at the MTF 1 to 5 years after the end of the treatment year before retirement .
What is DD 877?
The DD Form 877 is the only request form that NPRC will accept from Military Treatment Facilities (MTFs) for retired clinical and medical treatment records. This form is authorized for use by military facilities ONLY . Do not distribute to individuals for personal use. Follow the instructions below to complete the form:
Can you fax a request to NPRC?
Please Note: NPRC will accept faxed requests only in cases of an emergency. These emergency requests must state that there is a medical emergency and provide a deadline date, if applicable. Contact NPRC at (314) 801-0800 before faxing your request to (314) 801-0764. Snippet.
What happened to veterans records?
When applying for VA disability benefits, many veterans find that VA is missing important records that may help support their claims for compensation. Oftentimes records are simply lost, or they may have been accidentally destroyed . For example, on July 12, 1973, a fire broke out at the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) in St. Louis, Missouri. The fire destroyed service records for veterans of the Air Force and Army.
What is VA hearing?
VA Hearings. Hearings before the Board of Veterans’ Appeals can be used as evidence in support of a veteran’s claim. They allow a veteran to speak with a Veterans Law Judge directly to explain their case. All hearings are transcribed so VA has a written record of the conversation. However, hearings do have drawbacks.
What are employment records?
Employment records can become a necessary piece of evidence if a veteran is seeking entitlement to total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU). TDIU is a VA disability benefit that compensates veterans at the 100% disability rate if they have a service-connected condition or conditions that render them unable to work. Employment records can also be helpful in claims for increased ratings, as difficulty performing a job or receiving special accommodations at work due to a service-connected condition can highlight the level of severity of that disability. Some employment records that can be helpful are: 1 VA Form 21-4192 – These forms are used by VA to gather information regarding a veteran’s past or current employment. The forms are sent to the veteran’s employers for them to fill out basic employment information such as dates of employment, as well as details regarding the veteran’s ability to perform the job or why the veteran left that job. 2 Record of disciplinary action or performance reports – These types of records can be useful to show how a veteran’s service-connected disability negatively impacted their work. If a veteran has a service-connected psychiatric condition that caused them to be violent at work or have angry outbursts, records of those incidents can be used to show entitlement to an increased rating.
Why are employment records important?
Employment records can also be helpful in claims for increased ratings, as difficulty performing a job or receiving special accommodations at work due to a service-connected condition can highlight the level of severity of that disability . Some employment records that can be helpful are:
What does service connection mean in VA?
Generally speaking, service connection means that a veteran’s disability or death was incurred during or aggravated by their military service.
How many military records were destroyed?
Overall, the NPRC estimates that 16-18 million official military personnel files were destroyed.
How many records were destroyed in the fire?
The fire destroyed service records for veterans of the Air Force and Army. According to VA, 80 percent of the records for veterans discharged from the Army between November 1, 1912 and January 1, 1960 were destroyed in the fire.
What is the second version of the VA form?
The second is the undeleted version . This includes all relevant information and is used when you apply for your VA benefits. When you leave the military, you should be given both a deleted and undeleted version of this form. If this does not happen, or you need another copy, you can request a replacement.
What is the deleted version of the discharge form?
There are two versions of the forms. The first is the deleted version. This version can be shown to civilians such as future employers . It will exclude the discharge characterization as well as the discharge reason in case you do not want your future employer to know this. The second is the und eleted version.
Where to keep DD 214?
It is best to keep it in a fireproof lockbox or a safe deposit box.
Do you have to have a medical record to be in the military?
Military Medical Records. If you have ever been in the military—even for one day—you have medical records. When you enter the military, you must undergo a physical examination the information from which is noted in a detailed medical record.
What type of medical records are used in VA claims?
The second type of medical records to use in a VA claim are your post-service VA Treatment records. This includes any records of treatment you had at a VAMC (VA Medical Ceter) or VHA facility.
What are the types of military records?
So there are 3 general types of records that exist for every soldier, sailor or airman while they served in the military: service records, performance records, and medical records. When you submit a request to the National Archives, most times you are requesting your service records. This includes things like your DD-214, ...
Can I win a VA claim without medical records?
by Chris Attig. You just are not going to win a VA Claim without providing some medical records. That’s just a fact of life. Now, it is true that when certain medical records are missing, you may be able to use lay evidence to substitute for the missing medical information, I have NEVER seen a VA Claim granted without at least SOME medical records ...
Requesting Service Treatment Records
- Unfortunately, STRs can be difficult, if not impossible, to obtain. Veterans can sometimes request them directly from the military archives or through a VA Copy of File request. However, many records, particularly those of older Veterans, have been lost or misplaced through the years. The VA often blames lost records on a 1973 fire at the National ...
Getting Service Connection Without Strs
- Without a Veteran’s Service Treatment Records, obtaining a grant for service connection can be very difficult. However, if the VA or military lost a Veteran’s records, the VA has a higher obligation to assist the Veteran in developing their case as well as the heightened obligation to evaluate and discuss all favorable evidence.
Using Military Personnel Records For Your VA Claim
- Along with STRs, a Veteran’s military personnel record can also be helpful to prove a claim. Personnel records are not automatically submitted to a Veteran’s VA Copy of File. However, if a Veteran thinks their military personnel record could help with their claim, a written request will require the VA to obtain any available military personnel records from the National Personnel Re…
Call Berry Law Firm
- If you are a Veteran and you have been denied disability compensation by the VA or received a low rating, Berry Law can help. We have helped Veterans from all 50 states successfully appeal VA claims and have helped thousands of Veterans increase their disability rating. Contact Berry Law today for a free case evaluation.
Missing Service and Treatment Records
VA’s Duty to Assist in Gathering Service Treatment Records
- It is important to note that veterans are not alone in their efforts to obtain records and supporting evidence. VA has a duty to assist, meaning it is required to gather information that may help support the veteran’s claim (e.g., service personnel records, service medical records, VA medical records). If VA is not able to obtain records after making reasonable efforts, it has a duty to (1) n…
Forms of Supporting Evidence Besides Service Treatment Records
- Lay Evidence
A lay statement is a written statement from a veteran, family member, friend, or coworker that can be submitted to VA in support of a veteran’s claim. Statements can be submitted directly to VA and are often beneficial for documenting and reporting the duration, frequency, and severity of s… - VA Hearings
Hearings before the Board of Veterans’ Appeals can be used as evidence in support of a veteran’s claim. They allow a veteran to speak with a Veterans Law Judge directly to explain their case. All hearings are transcribed so VA has a written record of the conversation. However, hearings do h…