How Do I Get My VA Medical Records?

The right way to get your records depends on which records you mean. For VA health-care records, eligible Veterans can use My HealtheVet on VA.gov or request a complete copy from the VA health facility's Release of Information office. Active-duty military health records follow a separate route, and they should not be assumed to be part of your VA treatment record.^[1][2][3]

VA health-care records and military records are different

A VA health-care record covers care you received through VA. A military service health record covers medical, dental, and other treatment during military service. The National Archives says VA medical records are not included in military records, and where an active-duty record is held can vary by branch and separation date.^[3]

VA may have some historical military health records in particular cases, but do not assume it holds your complete active-duty record. If you need a service record, use the appropriate military-records custodian or the National Archives route rather than the VA health-record process.^[3][2]

How to review VA medical records online

If you are enrolled in VA health care and registered as a patient at a VA health facility, sign in to the My HealtheVet experience on VA.gov. You can find, review, print, and download available components such as lab and test results, vaccine and allergy records, care summaries, and notes.^[1]

How to request a complete VA health record

1. Find the right VA facility Use VA's facility directory and open the facility's information page. Look under Other services for Access your health records and the medical-records office contact information.^[2]
2. Choose a request method VA says you can request copies online through a secure message, by mail, by fax, or in person. For a mail, fax, or in-person request, VA directs patients to use Individuals' Request for a Copy of Their Own Health Information (VA Form 10-5345a).^[2]
3. Describe the records you need Identify the facility and the dates or types of records you are requesting. If you visit in person, bring valid photo identification as directed by VA.^[2]
4. Allow time for processing Keep your request details and watch for the facility's response. If you do not receive a letter within 20 calendar days, VA says you can contact the facility's medical records office.^[2]

How long does it take to get VA medical records?

VA says timing depends on how the records are stored: requests may take up to 30 calendar days for records in an online system or up to 60 calendar days for paper records, often records created before 1998. Check your facility's Release of Information office for current instructions. This guidance was last updated July 9, 2026.^[2]

What if records are missing or incomplete?

Retention and availability depend on the type of record, its date, and its custodian. Ask the relevant VA medical-records office or military-records custodian how to request older or missing records; do not rely on a universal retention period.^[2][3]

If records cannot be located and you are pursuing a VA claim, ask VA about the evidence it can consider and submit relevant alternative evidence, such as statements or other documents, through the current claims process. VA decides claims based on the evidence and applicable requirements. This article does not predict the result of an individual claim.

Does VA share medical records with Social Security?

SSA and participating health-care organizations use secure electronic exchange to support disability determinations, which can speed record retrieval in some cases. Availability, timing, authorization, and the records obtained depend on the claim and participating entities, so follow current SSA instructions.^[4]

What record system does VA use to share information?

VA's Veterans Health Information Exchange (VHIE) and electronic health information exchange support secure sharing with participating non-VA providers and partners. VA says participation and the information available vary, and VA shares health information with participating partners and providers when they are treating you. Do not rely on an undated national-percentage claim.^[6]

The exchange is designed to support care coordination, but it is not a substitute for requesting a copy of your own records. Use My HealtheVet or the facility's Release of Information office when you need to review or obtain records.^[6][1][2]

A simple records checklist

• Decide whether you need VA treatment records, active-duty military health records, or both.
• For VA treatment records, confirm that you are enrolled in VA health care and registered at a VA facility before using My HealtheVet.^[1]
• For a complete facility copy, contact the Release of Information office and ask about the current request form and delivery options.^[2]
• For military service records, use the appropriate branch or National Archives route.^[3]
• Allow up to 30 calendar days for records in an online system or up to 60 calendar days for paper records, subject to current facility guidance.^[2]

For more education, read our guide to VA health care and Medicare or the Veterans Medicare FAQ. If your question is about Medicare choices rather than obtaining records, you can book a call with Veterans Advantage Financial®. We are an independent insurance agency, not part of or endorsed by VA, Medicare, CMS, SSA, TRICARE, or any government agency.

This is general education, not personal advice, and it isn’t a recommendation of any specific plan. Veterans Advantage Financial® is a licensed insurance agency, not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare, Social Security, VA, TRICARE or any government agency. Plan availability, costs and benefits vary by plan, county and year. Check your own situation with the agency or plan before making changes.

About the author

Christopher Duncan

Certified Medicare Insurance Planner™ · Retirement Income Certified Professional®

Christopher founded Veterans Advantage Financial® and has helped people with Medicare since 2006. He is a licensed insurance agent in all 50 states and DC (NPN 8613503). His dad, Wallace, is a Vietnam-era veteran.

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