Log in with ID.me or Login.gov to request your service treatment records, DD-214, and personnel file. Newer separations are the most likely to be pulled on the spot.
Fastest
How to get your records after separation.
A no-BS walkthrough for veterans who have been out a while and don't know where to start. Whether you separated last year or a decade ago, this guide gets you to the right place in under ten minutes.
Records retrieval wizard
QUESTION 01 / 03
How long have you been out?
This tells us whether your records are likely still at the VA or have been transferred to the National Archives.
Or work through the full guide
Prefer the long version? Here's every step laid out, with checkboxes that save your progress in this browser.
Military medical records
Start here
Once records have migrated to NARA, request them by submitting Standard Form 180. Expect a few weeks, not days.
2 to 8 weeks
“After ten years out, most records aren't missing. They're just at NARA instead of the VA. Knowing that one fact saves months.”
VA healthcare records
If applicable
Export progress notes, diagnoses, medications, and imaging. Download yearly PDF batches and keep them organized by date.
Same day
Civilian provider records
Often overlooked
Send our pre-drafted HIPAA request letter to each civilian doctor. Ask for complete records, not summaries.
1 to 3 weeks
File VA Form 21-4142 so the VA will chase civilian records on your behalf for any provider you cannot reach directly.
4 to 12 weeks
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get VA medical records after separation?
It depends on where the records live. VA.gov typically pulls service treatment records the same day up to about 2 weeks. My HealtheVet gives you VA healthcare history the same day. The National Archives, for older records requested via SF-180, usually takes 2 to 8 weeks. Civilian providers return records directly in 1 to 3 weeks, and a VA Form 21-4142 fallback generally takes 4 to 12 weeks.
Do I need my medical records before I can file a VA disability claim?
No, you can file without them, but claims with complete records move faster and generally result in fewer compensation and pension exams. Filing without records locks in your effective date, but you should expect more back-and-forth with the VA and a longer overall timeline.
What is the difference between VA.gov and the National Archives for records requests?
VA.gov handles recent separations and anything still on the VA's active systems. The National Archives takes over once records have been transferred, which typically happens with older personnel and medical files. If you separated within the last couple of years, start at VA.gov. If you have been out for a decade or more, start with the Archives.
Are VA medical records and service treatment records the same thing?
No. Service treatment records, or STRs, are created during active duty and follow you through your enlistment. VA medical records come from post-separation care at VA facilities. Most claims lean on both, so plan to request each from the right source.
Is it free to request my VA medical records?
Yes, it is free for a veteran to request their own records through VA.gov, My HealtheVet, the National Archives, and most civilian providers under HIPAA. Third-party requesters, such as attorneys or agents acting on your behalf, may be charged a reasonable fee by some providers.