Get your VA medical records
Review available records online or request a complete copy from the health facility’s records office.
Who this program may help
VA.gov online medical-record access requires the applicable health enrollment and patient registration.
Read official eligibility instructions1. Review available records on VA.gov
My HealtheVet provides medical-record review, print and download.
Use VA’s medical-record tool if it supports your records and access.
Why this matters
You may not need a separate paper request for available records.
Official action:
Review medical records through VAVA supplies available online records.
Official references
2. Find the correct records office
The facility’s Release of Information office handles full-copy requests.
Find the facility website, then Other services and Access your health records.
Why this matters
An outpatient clinic may direct you to its responsible health facility.
Official action:
Find the facility’s records officeThe office explains its local contact method.
Official references
3. Choose secure message or the records form
Use a Release of Information care team or VA Form 10-5345a.
Specify the medical records you want. If no records team appears online, use mail, fax or in person.
Why this matters
The care team and records office need the scope of the request.
Documents for this step
- VA Form 10-5345a — Request your VA health information
Mail, fax or in-person request for your own health information
alternative
Official action:
Send a VA secure messageFor an in-person form request, bring valid photo identification.
Keep the message confirmation or submitted form.
The office acknowledges and processes the request.
Official references
4. Follow the records-office response
Storage format affects the response time.
Use VA’s follow-up instructions; if no letter arrives within 20 calendar days, contact the office.
Why this matters
A status inquiry is different from submitting duplicate requests.
VA lists up to 30 days for electronic and 60 days for paper records; actual delays may be explained.
Keep the original response and records.
The office supplies the records or a delay notice.
Official references
5. Protect and identify the downloaded records
Medical records can contain private identifiers and health information.
Keep private files outside public VetCore collections and note the record source.
Why this matters
A public-reference share link is not a private document-transfer method.
Share directly through the receiving provider or agency’s supported channel.