Request or Transfer Records to/from Veterans Affairs
How to Transfer Your Records to VA
When you’re an active, Guard and Reserve service member, and you leave military service, the Department of Defense (DoD) sends some information to the Department of Veterans' Affairs (VA). Depending on your health history and dates of service, the VA may access your DoD electronic health record.
- Before you leave military service, request paper copies of your health record and your family members’ health records.
- If you'd like another party to have access to your health records, please complete an DD Form 2870, Authorization for Disclosure of Medical or Dental Information.
If you're not eligible for VA health care, bring paper copies of your health record to your new provider. To get copies of your health record, you can:
- View and download your health records on the Secure Patient Portal. This only applies to health records classified as sensitive.
- Fill out and submit a Form SF 180, Request Pertaining to Military Records.
- Submit a request in-person at your nearest military hospital or clinic.
How to Request Your Records From VA
For your records that aren’t available through the Joint Electronic Health Record (joint HIE), you can request your VA records through:
Method | Follow these steps |
---|---|
In-person, mail, or fax |
|
Electronic VA records |
Note: If your records aren’t available online, you’ll need to submit your request in-person, by mail, or by fax. |
Last Updated 7/5/2023