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How to get your records

One clear checklist — no glazing over

Gathering records is the part that trips everyone up — a maze of sign-ins and websites. Here's every source in plain steps, with official links and a checklist you can work through at your own pace. Helping a parent or buddy? This is built for you too.

You don't need all of these to start. Even a few strong records — especially your private medical records — can build a real claim. Start with what you have; gather the rest over time. Check each one off as you go.

0 of 6 gathered

  • 1. A sign-in account (Login.gov or ID.me)

    Start here

    A verified identity account is the key that unlocks VA.gov and your records. You set it up once.

    Why it matters: You can't download your VA records without it. Login.gov and ID.me both work.

    1. 1.Go to VA.gov and click “Sign in” (top right).
    2. 2.Choose Login.gov or ID.me and follow the prompts.
    3. 3.Verify your identity (you'll need a phone and a photo ID). This is the longest part — about 15 minutes.
    VA.gov sign-in ~15 minutes, one time

  • 2. Your private / civilian medical records

    Start here

    Records from doctors outside the VA — your family doctor, specialists, sleep study, hospital visits.

    Why it matters: These win claims. Many strong claims are built mostly on private evidence — you have a legal right to copies of your own records (usually within 30 days of asking).

    1. 1.Make a short list of every doctor, clinic, or hospital that treated the condition.
    2. 2.Call or use each one's patient portal and ask for a copy of your medical records (the “medical records” or “release of information” department).
    3. 3.Ask for everything related to the condition — notes, test results, imaging, prescriptions.
    A few days to a couple weeks

  • 3. Your VA medical records (Blue Button)

    Your VA care history — visits, labs, medications — downloadable as one report.

    Why it matters: If you've been seen at the VA, this is your VA medical evidence in one place.

    1. 1.Sign in to VA.gov.
    2. 2.Go to “My HealtheVet” or “Medical records,” then “Download my medical record (Blue Button report).”
    3. 3.Choose the date range (pick the widest) and all record types, then download the PDF.
    VA medical records Minutes

  • 4. Service treatment & personnel records (OMPF, DD-214)

    Your military medical and personnel file — sick-call notes, your separation exam, your DD-214.

    Why it matters: Shows what happened to you in service. Often already pulled into your VA file if you've filed before.

    1. 1.Recently separated? Use milConnect (milconnect.dmdc.osd.mil) → Correspondence/Documentation → request your records.
    2. 2.Older service? Use the National Archives (archives.gov/veterans) — request online (eVetRecs) or with a Standard Form 180.
    National Archives — veterans' records Days to a few weeks

  • 5. Your C-File (full VA claims file) — optional

    Everything the VA has on your claims: past decisions, exam results, evidence. Can be hundreds of pages.

    Why it matters: Useful if you've filed before or are appealing — but you do NOT need it to start a new claim.

    1. 1.Submit a Privacy Act request to the VA for your claims file (C-File).
    2. 2.You can request it on VA.gov or by mail; it can take weeks to months to arrive.
    How to request VA records Weeks to months

  • 6. Your C&P exam results — optional

    The examiner's report from a Compensation & Pension exam — often the document that decides a rating.

    Why it matters: Worth requesting after an exam to see what the examiner wrote, especially before an appeal.

    1. 1.Submit a Privacy Act request for your C&P exam report (same channel as the C-File).
    How to request VA records Weeks

Got some records? That's enough to start.

You don't have to wait for everything. Bring what you have and we'll show you what a strong claim needs and build your documents — free.

Start my claim →

Your checklist is saved only in this browser — never on our servers. Official links go to VA.gov, the National Archives, Login.gov, and ID.me. VA Claim Commander is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Department of Veterans Affairs.