Requesting military and VA records can seem daunting. If you’ve ever requested your records you may have noticed that often you receive: (1) a partial set of records, or (2) no records at all. To help ensure you receive a complete copy of VA records we request you complete the following, regardless of whether you are pursuing a VA Appeal or Military Discharge Upgrade:

1.) Request your Claims File (C-file) from the VA (sample language to include in a letter to VA requesting C-file below), and mail or fax to VA Central Intake:

Dear Custodian of Records:

Pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act and Privacy Act, I request a copy of my VA claims folder (C-file). Those records should include all award letters, copies of VA C&P examinations, VA re-evaluations, VA healthcare records, communications or requests for additional information made between the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) and any C&P examiner, and any other records in VA’s posession.

These records should be released to [insert name of person and relationship to Veteran]:

[Name of person/entity records to be released to]

[Address of person/entity records to be released to]

[Phone Number of person/entity records to be released to]

[Address of person/entity records to be released to]

Should any part of this request be denied or unavailable, please inform me of what is denied and why; however, in the event that part of this request is denied or unavailable, please produce the remaining available documents.

Respectfully,

[Veteran’s INK signature]

2.) Request your VA Medical Records:

Complete VA Form 10-5345

or

https://www.va.gov/health-care/get-medical-records/

We hope this helps you secure records in VA’s possession.