From Nara

[Berta]

Special Notice to Veterans and Family Members

regarding requests for copies of military personnel and/or medical files.

The National Personnel Records Center responds to over 1.4 million requests annually for copies of military personnel and/or medical records. Our goal is to provide timely responses in an efficient manner, so that veterans and their families obtain the information needed to qualify for benefits and entitlements.

Nearly half of all requesters seek only a copy of the separation document, which is the necessary document required for veteran benefits. However, about ten percent of the requests that we receive ask for a copy of a file.

Since the 1970s, our standard procedure for replying to requests for entire files has been to provide only copies of key documents and extracts of vital information, rather than a copy of every document in a personnel and/or medical file. This approach avoids costly delays in reviewing and copying some documents -- such as leave papers, identification card applications, and clothing issuances – that are not normally needed for benefit claim purposes. As a result, we are able to respond to more requesters, faster, and at less cost to the taxpayers. Exceptions to this procedure are files more than 62 years old, US Marine Corps files, all certified legal cases, and all requests from the Department of Veterans Affairs. In these instances, all documents are provided.

This extract contains copies of all essential documents to certify entitlement to most rights and benefits associated with military service, to identify key events in a military career, and to identify significant events in health care. Personal data pertaining to third parties is redacted from the file, pursuant to Privacy Act provisions.

When only key documents and extracts are provided from the Official Military Personnel File and the Medical Record, the response package contains a copy of all separation documents and all of the following information if it is in the file:

• Military Services Dates
  
• Character of Service
  
• Promotions and Reductions
  
• Duty Stations and Assignments
  
• Foreign or Sea Service
  
• Military Schooling and Training
  
• Awards and Letters of Commendation
  
• Disciplinary Actions
  
• Lost Time
  
• Enlistments Contracts
  
• Entry and Separation Physical Exams
  
• Immunizations
  
• Dental Examinations
  
• Clinical Summaries/Cover Sheets
  
  
  Until recently, we did not explain this policy when responding to requesters. As of September 28, 2009, all responses that contain file extracts include an explanation of the policy.
  
  If you have questions about this policy, please direct them to:
  
  Tom Mills
  Assistant Archivist for Regional Records Services
  
  
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  The U.S. National Archives and Records Administration

  8601 Adelphi Road, College Park, MD 20740-6001

  Telephone: 1-86-NARA-NARA or 1-866-272-6272

  ______________( I just need to add that it pays to request records on a SF 180 from NARA if the VA says your records were burned in the St Louis Fire.I have vet's records here from NARA that VA said had been burnt and were gone)

[12R3G]

Wings...

The National Personnel Records Center ... holds the records of all veterans who have served since 1917, medical records of all retirees from the military...

Yes and no. Personnel records and hospital (inpatient records/clinical notes) are still transferred to NPRC.

However, beginning in 1992, the Army began transferring records directly to the VA. The remaining services followed suit. So, depending on your branch of service and discharge date, your SMR's could either be at NPRC or post 1992 probably at the VARO where you relocated to at seperation (which is why they have a block for that on the DD-214). Here is the table from the NPRC website:

Branch: Status -- Health Record To VA

Army: Discharged, retired, or separated from any component -- October 16, 1992

Air Force: Discharged, retired, or separated from Active -- May 1, 1994

Discharged or retired from Reserves or National Guard -- June 1, 1994

Navy: Discharged, retired, or separated from any component -- January 31, 1994

Marine Corps: Discharged, retired, or separated from any component -- May 1, 1994

Coast Guard: Discharged, retired, or separated from Active Duty -- April 1, 1998

Reservists with 90 days active duty for training -- April 1, 1998

Edited October 13, 2009 by 12R3G