Determine which records you need: service treatment records, inpatient clinical records, dental records, or separation/retirement medical records
Gather your full name, date of birth, Social Security number or service number, branch of service, and dates of service
Identify the correct records office for your branch and record type
Submit a request through the National Archives or the appropriate military records repository
Use Standard Form 180, Request Pertaining to Military Records, if available
Sign and date the request
Include a copy of a government-issued photo ID if required
Include proof of authorization if requesting records for someone else
Provide any known treatment dates, locations, hospitals, or units to help locate records
Mail, fax, or submit the request online if that option is available
Follow up if you do not receive a response within the expected timeframe
Request copies from your VA regional office or VA medical records office if the records are already in your VA file
Contact the military treatment facility directly for recent records if you were treated there recently
Keep copies of all forms and correspondence
Use the DD Form 214 to help identify your service information if needed