Can the VA see my military medical records?

Asked by: Miss Lia Schmitt Sr.  |  Last update: February 28, 2025
Score: 5/5 (13 votes)

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.

Does the VA have access to military medical records?

Veterans who plan to file a claim for medical benefits with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) do not need to request a copy of their military health record from the NPRC. After a claim is filed, the VA will obtain the original health record from the NPRC.

Can the military see all of your medical records?

If you are in the military or a military dependent yes. If you are enlisting, then in order to enlist you must provide an authorization for the military to access your medical records or you will not be able to enlist.

Are military medical records private?

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) permits protected health information (PHI) of Armed Forces personnel to be disclosed under special circumstances.

Can veterans see doctors outside the VA?

As a Veteran, you may be eligible to get care outside VA. This means we'll pay for the cost of your care from a health care provider in our community care network. Keep reading on this page to find out if you're eligible for community care. Note: You can still always choose to get care at a VA health facility.

EXACTLY How Veterans Get Their Medical Records From Service For Your VA Disability Claim

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Will the VA fill prescriptions from outside doctors?

Answer: The VA Medical Center will only fill non-VA prescriptions for veterans who are enrolled in the VA healthcare system and are in receipt of Aid and Attendance (A&A) or housebound benefits or have been authorized by VA to receive care in the community.

Does the VA see active duty?

VA can provide care for Active Duty Service Members, military retirees, & family members under their TRICARE benefit - on a space available basis. Each VA health care facility can serve as primary care manager for TRICARE beneficiaries, but more often TRICARE referrals are used for specialty care.

Who has access to my military records?

Access to Records, Information for the General Public:

The next-of-kin is defined as any of the following: the un-remarried widow or widower, son, daughter, father, mother, brother or sister of the deceased veteran.

Can I use my own doctor for VA disability?

Yes, we can go to any hospital or Doctor that we want, as often as we choose, and don't get me started on how the pay for everything.

Can the military see my prescriptions?

Yes. Part of the enlistment process is when you sign a medical release allowing the Department of Defense access to medical records. By signing it, you're giving the DOD permission to look at your medical records.

How long does the military retain medical records?

Archived Records

Inpatient records are maintained for 5 years after the date of discharge. After such periods, the records are retired to the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC), St Louis, MO. Patients may obtain their retired records directly from NPRC online.

Can I see my MRI results online?

Your MRI results may be available online through your referring physician's patient portal or the imaging clinic, but these sharing methods don't always include the images, or, if images are included, they may not be in diagnostic quality.

What will disqualify you from the military?

Medical Disqualifications
  • Vision Disqualification. ...
  • Dental Disqualification. ...
  • Ears and Hearing Disqualification. ...
  • Allergic Conditions Disqualification. ...
  • Skin Disqualification. ...
  • Psychiatric Disorders.

What happens if the VA can't find your medical records?

If your records are not located after several attempts, alternative evidence may be available to support your claim. This could include personal journals, photos of injuries, letters to friends and family, or statements from those who witnessed the incident in question.

Can access to a soldier's medical record be denied?

The statement regarding the denial of access to a soldier's medical record due to the presence of psychotherapy notes is true. Under HIPAA regulations, these notes are protected and cannot be disclosed in certain circumstances. This ensures the privacy and confidentiality of the soldier's mental health treatment.

Is DD214 a public record?

The Privacy Act of 1974 limits access to a veteran's DD214 to only the service member (either past or present) or the member's legal guardian; only these persons will have access to almost any information contained in that member's own record.

Does the VA look at your civilian medical records?

The Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) uses VA Form 21-4142, Authorization to Disclose Information to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), to request private medical records and information regarding the source of records in support of claims for compensation and/or pension benefits.

What is the 70-40 rule for VA disability?

If a veteran has two or more service-connected disabilities, at least one of those disabilities must be rated at 40% or higher. When these ratings are considered for the other disabilities, the veteran's combined disability rating must be 70% or higher. This is essentially how the 70-40 rule operates.

What disabilities can the VA not prove?

No, there aren't any VA disability claims that cannot be proven. In fact, all VA claims must be proven on an “at least as likely as not” basis. If you have no evidence (no proof), your VA claim will be denied. Also, you must first ensure you're even eligible for VA disability benefits under the law.

Can the military see your medical records?

Military Lawyer: Allen M., Esq. Yes, they are allowed to look at any medical records that can demonstrate a preexisting condition, many of which occur well before someone is 18. Yes, if there is a disqualifying condition it would keep you from joining.

What shows up on military records?

Personnel Record Portion: The Official Military Personnel File (OMPF) is primarily an administrative record, containing information about the subject's service history such as: date and type of enlistment/appointment; duty stations and assignments; training, qualifications, performance; awards and decorations received; ...

Can people look up your military record?

Learn about FOIA requests

Without your authorization (or your next of kin's after your death), the government can only release limited information from your official military personnel files. Information it can release includes: Name and photograph. Dates and branch of service.

What does 90% VA disability entitle you to?

Individuals with 90 percent VA disability ratings are eligible for VR&E benefits. These benefits provide career services and counseling, including training, resume development, and other assistance.

Is VA healthcare free for all veterans?

You can get free VA health care for any illness or injury that we determine is connected to your military service (called a “service-connected disability”). You may also be eligible for more free VA health care based on factors like your disability rating, service history, or income.

Are there disadvantages of being a veteran?

Military service members and veterans have made sacrifices to our country, and they may face lots of different health issues. Some of the most common health problems they may have include chronic pain, sleep disorders, and mental health disorders.