Get Your Medical Records (VA, DoD & Private)
Here's how to quickly download or request the records you'll need for a strong VA claim—including VA "Blue Button" downloads, service treatment records (STRs), and private doctor files.
🔗 Quick Links
Start with these official sources. They cover most situations for veterans and family members.
VA Health Records – Blue Button
Download visit summaries, labs, medications, secure messages, and more. Imaging files usually require a separate request to Release of Information (ROI).
VA: Get medical records →Release of Information (ROI) – VA Form 10-5345
Use ROI if you need VA to send your records to a third party, or to request images (radiology CDs) from your VA facility.
About VA Form 10-5345 →Service Treatment Records (STRs)
Request STRs and your Official Military Personnel File (OMPF) from the National Archives. Great for active-duty injuries/illnesses.
Request from Archives →Standard Form 180 (SF-180)
Mail or upload SF-180 to request military records if you can't use the online Archive request system.
Download SF-180 (PDF) →MHS GENESIS Patient Portal (DoD)
If you were seen at a military hospital/clinic, you may be able to view/download DoD medical records here.
Open MHS GENESIS →Find a VA Facility's ROI Office
Call your VA facility's Release of Information office for imaging CDs or to submit a signed release.
VA facility locator →🧭 Step-by-Step: Choose Your Path
Path A: You get care at VA
Sign in at VA.gov and use the Blue Button to download a "VA Blue Button Report (PDF)." Include: Notes, Labs, Medications, Allergies, and Immunizations.
For radiology images (MRIs/X-rays), contact your VA facility's Release of Information (ROI). Ask for an imaging CD or secure share. You may be asked to complete VA Form 10-5345.
Save your files and upload to your claim or keep for your VSO/representative.
Path B: You were treated on active duty
Use the MHS GENESIS Patient Portal to view/download DoD medical records if available.
Request your Service Treatment Records (STRs) and personnel records from the National Archives. If needed, submit SF-180.
If you separated recently, some records may still be with DoD or your last Military Treatment Facility. Try MHS GENESIS or call that MTF's records office.
Path C: Private doctors/hospitals
Use your provider's portal, or send a HIPAA medical records request (template below). Ask for complete chart notes, test results, imaging reports, and operative notes.
Ask for digital copies (PDF/CD). Many providers will deliver via portal or encrypted email.
Upload the records to VA or provide to your VSO. Keep a personal copy.
📋 What to Collect (Checklist)
- VA care: Blue Button report (progress notes, labs, meds, problem list, immunizations).
- VA imaging: Radiology reports & images (CD or secure share) via your facility's ROI office.
- Active-duty: Service Treatment Records (STRs), Line of Duty reports, physical profiles, profiles/limited duty paperwork.
- Private care: Office notes, urgent care/ER notes, specialist consults, PT notes, surgery & anesthesia notes, pathology, test results.
- Pharmacy: Medication lists (VA & non-VA), including start/stop dates and dosage changes.
- Supporting evidence: Occupational records, buddy statements, work restrictions, assistive devices issued.
Tip: Ask for "complete chart notes" for relevant dates. If you're unsure, request from your first visit to present for the issue.
✉️ HIPAA Medical Records Request Template
Paste this into an email/letter to your provider's medical records department. Edit the bracketed fields before sending.
⏱️ Timelines & Common Questions
Typical timelines
- VA Blue Button: immediate download for most items (C&P notes may appear a few days after completion).
- VA ROI (images/CDs): usually 1–3 weeks.
- National Archives (STRs): commonly 4–10 weeks depending on backlog.
- Private providers: 1–4 weeks (varies by office and state rules).
FAQs
Can VA get records for me? Yes—VA will help request records, but getting and uploading them yourself is often faster and more complete.
Where are C&P exam notes? They typically appear in your VA Blue Button a few days after the exam is closed. If not, ask your VSO/VA.
Do I need imaging CDs? Reports are usually enough, but CDs can help if you're appealing or a specialist needs to review the actual images.