

You have just 90 days to file an appeal after receiving your denial. You can file an appeal by sending a letter to the Designated Appeal Official. Under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), you have a right to obtain your records. The holding agency may deny your request for military records. Also referred to as a Request Pertaining to Military Records, this form accompanies a military service record request and helps the center locate your official military personnel file. Standard Form 180 is used to request military records. What Forms Do You Need to Request Military or Service Records? In addition, if a next of kin or family member requests information after the veteran’s death, they’ll need proof of death of the deceased veteran (DD Form 1300, copy of death certificate, or obituary).Ī third-party organization may also assist a veteran in contacting the archival records or records management center to retrieve health information or military record paperwork. All releases of records must include the veteran’s signature.

Service medical records are typically held at the veteran’s local clinic.Įligible family members, including a surviving spouse, parent, child, or sibling, may request military records on behalf of military personnel. Military records of veterans discharged less than 62 years ago are in legal custody of the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security.

This protection applies to all military departments, including Air National Guard, Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, and Space Force. Otherwise, more recent military personnel records are protected by privacy laws. Medical records prior to World War I are available through the National Archives Trust Fund (NATF). Privacy acts don’t apply to archival records, meaning this information is typically available to the public. Military records of veterans discharged over 62 years ago are held by the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). The records of military personnel discharged over 62 years ago are public records. These privacy laws protect both active duty and retired veterans. The Privacy Act of 1974 protects confidential information and covers information related to military service and medical health records. Who Can Request Military and Service Records? Veterans may also request military service records when planning for retirement. VA disability benefits often require detailed medical treatment records, and service treatment records may serve as legal proof. Veterans or their family members may want to request military records for a number of reasons, including filing for Veterans Affairs benefits, updating new healthcare providers, or filing for a disability claim. In addition, some military records may include current military status, service treatment records, VA benefits, and disabilities. Military personnel records are administrative files that may include a report of separation, release papers, orders and endorsements, performance reports, awards, decorations, qualifications and licenses, and security clearance information. What Are Military Records and Why Do You Need Them? Eligible family members may also request a veteran’s military medical records on their behalf. This form includes detailed information about your service history and helps the right branch track down your records. You can use Standard Form 180 to request your military medical records.
