Getting Veterans Records

Recently I had to find certain parts of my medical records from the time that I was in the service and found that there was a lot of information available, but in bits and pieces. Most of the people that I spoke to knew only small parts of where to go and how to acquire the records. The fact that I kept getting sent to various offices and running into a variety of people, some who wanted to help but had no idea where to go, and many more who didn't care and left me at dead ends is what prompts me to write this. The process is different depending on the status of the veteran, if they didn't file a claim with Veterans Affairs, if they did file a claim with Veterans Affairs, and if they are deceased.

The first advice I'd have is for anyone who is still active duty and has access to your records, make sure you photocopy the records before you get out. This is especially true for anyone who plans to pursue an education as many schools and universities require a copy of your immunizations.

For anyone who did not submit disability paperwork, I would first trying going to the eBenefits website. If you're lucky they may have actually scanned your records in, if so then you can request parts of your personnel and medical files and get them in a very quick period of time. If the records aren't scanned in, well they at least e-mailed me back within a couple of hours. Don't be surprised if your records aren't there, I know people that have been waiting over a decade for access to their records online.

Otherwise, your records should be accessible through the Records Management Center of the Department of Veterans Affairs in St. Louis, Missouri. After the veteran passes away though, they will finally be moved to the National Personnel Records Center of the National Archives. Be advised that most of the Veterans Affairs paperwork telling you where to get your records will send you there. A couple of years ago the process changed and they are now at the Records Management Center, which is apparently in the next building over from the National Archives.

If you filed a claim with the Veterans Affairs then your records are at your regional office. Before you decide to just up and drive up there, be advised that if you go and visit them you probably will not be walking out of their office with a copy. From here there are two ways that I know of to get a copy of your medical records.

The first is to file a Freedom of Information Act request with the Veterans Affairs to get your records. I was advised that this method will take at least six months and most likely up to a year. Yes I know that the Freedom of Information Act was not designed to be used like this but that's how they do things now.

The second way, which should be much faster, is to find a veteran's advocate group, such as Disabled American Veterans or your state's veteran's advocates group. The way I found mine was to go to my local vets hospital where all of the local groups had an office. Generally the offices aren't staffed all of the time but if you call you should be able to find out who has an office there and a number for them to make an appointment. Once you have an advocate you will have to give them a limited power of attorney that will only allow them access to your records. Once they have that and have it approved then the advocates can access your files through the Veterans Affairs regional office. According to my advocate, this process can take upwards of a month to a month and a half.

Finally, if you are the next of kin looking for a veterans records after they have become deceased, then the records are being held at the National Archives National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis, Missouri. You can put in a request online and in approximately ninety days they will send you the requested information.

Unfortunately the process of getting records for many can be a very frustrating process, but I hope that this information will be helpful for anyone along the process. While most things I've dealt with in regards to the VA have gone smoothly, this seems to be a problem area for a number of veterans. Thank you for your service and best of luck in getting the records you need in the time that you need them.