VA Medical Records
VA Medical Records and Claim Evidence
Medical records are what turn a claimed condition into a documented one. VA health records, private treatment records, and service treatment records each play a different role in a disability claim.
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Where your records live
VA health records are available through your VA.gov account, including the Blue Button health summary that bundles problems, medications, appointments, labs, and notes into one download. Private treatment records must be requested from each provider.
- VA Blue Button health summary and VA Health Summary downloads
- Private provider records, imaging, and lab results
- Service treatment records from the National Archives or your branch
- Pharmacy records showing continuous medication
- Hospital and emergency department records
What raters look for in records
Continuity matters. Records that show a symptom starting in service, continuing after separation, and being treated today support both service connection and the severity level.
Specific measurements matter too: range of motion in degrees, METs levels, blood pressure readings, frequency of episodes. Vague notes rarely move a rating.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Blue Button report?
It is a downloadable summary of your VA health record, including problems, medications, labs, and notes, available through your VA.gov account.
Do I have to submit all my records?
Submit what is relevant to the claimed condition. Identifying records clearly also lets VA request them under its duty to assist.
Are private records as good as VA records?
Yes. VA considers competent private medical evidence alongside VA treatment records.
StratForge Pro tool
Want AI to review your medical records?
StratForge Pro can analyze medical records, identify diagnoses, create a medical timeline, and help organize claim evidence.
Use Medical Record AnalyzerRequires a StratForge account. Sign-in and plan limits apply.
Related StratForge tools
Free guide: how to request, access, and understand your VA claims file.
Free guide: what examiners ask and how to describe your worst days accurately.
How one service-connected condition can support another claim.
Plain-English rating criteria drawn from 38 CFR Part 4.
Get AI-powered claims assistance
Create a free StratForge account, upload your VA records, and start organizing the evidence behind your claim. StratForge provides educational, organizational, and claims-preparation assistance — it does not guarantee any VA rating, decision, or benefit.