Active duty medical records

[gangof4]

When I retired, I received my medical records which were unfortunately lost.  How can the VA research what I was treated for while on active duty if the original records were lost while in my possession?

[brokensoldier244th]

The service didn't hand you the originals. We go to the records repositories where they were filed. Depending on when you got out they could be electronic, as well. 

[Dustoff1970]

Fortunately thanks to advice of a senior Army Warrant Officer pilot in 1968  I made copies of all important medical and other records in Vietnam, Japan and USA with assist of medical clerks and this habit carried over into my civilian/veteran life with all my VA medical records from 1985 to present day.  This has paid of tremendously for me in obtaining VA benefits for over 30 years.  I make sure to never send my only one copy/s of records to the VA and always have multi copies of just about everything.

Being a lifelong pack rack has worked for me in VA claims and appeals approved in a timely manner.  Maybe younger vets will see this comment I hope.

[GBArmy]

Dustoff is spot on. I tell veterans, even those active duty, to make copies of their med and other records. Even though records are supposed to all be available electronically, we all have seen how that doesn't work all the time. Make the extra effort and make copies. 

[Tbird]

Agree with @GBArmy. @Dustoff 11is spot on. The number one thing I tell active duty members make copies of all your records. Medical and Personnel records. I also recommend that they send letters home to themselves after they take part in any operation or anything else that happens, accidents, witnessed things, burn pit duty. etc. They can send the letters home to a family member or friend. When they get out and get home, they can choose to open and read them or not. However, if they have a claim it can provide valuable information. They should include other members name involved and any other descriptive information they can think of.

[The Fight]

They will always be sent to your home of record at that VA Regional Office. You may need to contact your state congressman for assistance. 

[brokensoldier244th]

They are not sent to home of record- they are sent to NPRC, and then they end up in your VA record when you file a claim, or when we request them manually (in the case of pre-electronic records)