Military Records
By CWO4 Lewis Tolleson, USCG-Ret., Director; Lt. Col. William A. Pierce, USA-Ret.; and Capt. Bud Schneeweis, USCG-Ret. Benefits Information

Whom do I contact to obtain a copy of my military records?

The Military Personnel Records division of the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC-MPR) is the repository of millions of military personnel, health, and medical records for discharged and deceased veterans of all services during the 20th century. NPRC-MPR also stores medical treatment records of retirees from all services, as well as records for dependents and others treated at naval medical facilities. Information from the records is made available upon written request (with signature and date) to the extent allowed by law.

If you are a veteran or next of kin of a deceased veteran, you may order a copy of your military records on the National Archives and Records Administration's (nara's) Web site, available via MOAA's links page, www.moaa.org/magazine/links.asp. All others should use a Standard Form 180, also available on nara's Web site, to make their requests. Sign and mail your request to the following address:

VA Claims

What does the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) do after it receives a claim for disability?

After the VA processes your Application for Compensation, you will receive a letter explaining what additional information is needed to consider your claim and how the VA can help you get records to support your claim. You also may receive forms to be filled out, such as medical releases for your doctor or hospital. All forms should be completed and returned to the VA within one month. Additionally, your claim often can be processed more quickly if you send a copy of your own medical records.

Where does the VA get records to support my claim?

The VA attempts to get all the relevant information from the military, private hospitals or doctors, or any other place you direct it. The person who decides your claim (called a rating veterans service representative) may order a medical examination, which is free of charge.

What should I expect from the medical examination?

You should expect the physician to evaluate the condition(s) listed on your claim. The length of the examination will vary depending on the number and type of disabilities claimed. The physician also may ask more questions about your disability's history, review pertinent medical records, or order additional testing or examinations. The examination will not include any treatment for disabilities or acute illnesses. Unless more information, tests, or evaluations are needed, the completed evaluation will be documented and forwarded to the VA regional office nearest you for processing.

What does the VA do after obtaining my records?

After the rating veterans service representative has attempted to secure all the records (or evidence) required by law, including the report of any examinations, he or she will review your file and make a decision on the claim according to the law and the particular facts in your case. In the written rating decision, the representative will list the evidence, the decision, and the reasons for it. The VA then will mail the decision to you. If benefits are granted, a cover letter will indicate the monthly payment amount and the effective date. Payments usually begin soon after you receive the letter. If benefits are not granted and you think the decision was in error, or if you think the percentage evaluation or effective date is wrong, you may appeal the VA's decision.