Dave, I got out of the service (Honorable Discharge) in 1975. In '76 I had a claim with the VA. I lost my claim, and my subsequent Appeal. In 2007, I requisitioned for my medical records for a few different reasons. They sent me my shot record and certified copies of my DD-214. Attached was a letter saying that my medical records could not be sent because they'd been lent to the VA. ::This was back when I put in my claim, and they'd never been sent back:: I called VA this past week to ask them about getting my medical records. The guy I spoke with said all he had to do was send the paperwork 'upstairs' and that I should have my records in less than a month. I thought that was strange. Three days later, I spoke with someone who said that it'd take at least 6 months to locate them. ::I figured as much:: He also told me that I would have to name him as a "Power of Attorney" for my case. All I want is a copy of my complete records so that I may take them over to the local VA Rep. and see if I in fact do have the information, etc. in which I can file a claim as to Service Connection. Is the power of attorney thing true?? Just to get my records? thanks. and sorry to be so long here.
To get your Medical records all you need to do is go to your VA hospital and to the Release of information. Fill out one form asking for a "complete copy of yor medical records" and the VA will send your a copy in 6 to 8 weeks unless they are really backed up. You do NOT have to give anyone a POA unless you are working with a Service Officer or an Attorney.
Thank You Daniel. I didn't think so. I guess I'll have to go to the VA Hospital in Fort Meyers, FL. I had an offer from a DAV guy that they'd help in all of the matters. I actually only wanted a copy of my records, for my personal self and not to file a claim. I lost the claim and appeal, many years ago. I didn't think I'd stand a chance with another appeal. Time will tell. Thank You. Mark Phillips
Dave I got out of service in 1986. Filed a claim in 1992 denied and reopened in 1998 denied again. Reopened in 2004 awarded 20% ankle condition. Had a second claim for left elbow condition but no records in my SMR for treatment. Spent 14 months at HQ 1/15 FA Camp Stanley Korea only record was inprocessing. The NPRC advised records at the VA. The VA states no records on file for elbow fracture. Submitted to lay statements that concurr of fractured elbow. What can I do or what other option do I have to find the missing treatment records?
It is now Sept - have you made any progress with finding your records? It took me over 6 months to find mine, turned out they were sitting on a shelf somewhere and had never been sent back to central holding facility. HIGHLY RECOMMEND you get a VSO from some organization that you are confident with (state va, vfw, american legion, dav, vietnam vets, etc.) and give them power of attorney to do a proper search request.
I work at the Archives and see this allot when the VA comes in to get veteran's records. I don't work directly with the VA as far as the power of attorney thing goes. You could also try getting any inpatient medical records that the archives may have. If all else fails try contacting your congressman and let the VA know that you are doing this. Hope you find them.
Thank you. I keep getting letters saying that they're either "here" or "There".. they've been lent to 'such n such' etc. I'll keep trying. Many thanks to all who've answered this. Mark Phillips
The only advice I can give is to request a copy of your records from NPRC BEFORE you start a claim with the VA. Once the VA gets "hands on" your records, there is no telling what might happen.
quote:
Originally posted by MPPMMSPO3: Thank you. I keep getting letters saying that they're either "here" or "There".. they've been lent to 'such n such' etc. I'll keep trying. Many thanks to all who've answered this. Mark Phillips
One thing I recommend is to get a complete copy of your medical and personnel records BEFORE you get out of the service. Have them put on CD so you have a hard copy and an electronic copy. Keep adding to the cd when you get new records and you will always have a copy of your medical records.
I was a Medic - I kept METICULOUS records - only problem is that the VA will NOT accept copies from a service member!!!! Reasons given: Vet may not have complete copies, and Vet may have altered or doctored records to create a false record!!!
