A Veterans Claims and Records Guide

For many Veterans, transitioning out of service isn’t the hardest part. navigating the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) claims process and getting access to your own records can feel like a mission with no map. Whether you're filing a disability claim for the first time, trying to track down lost service treatment records, or appealing a denial, this guide is here to help break it down step by step.

Start with Your DD214

Your Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD214) is the foundation. Without it, you can’t file a claim or request most benefits. If you’ve lost it, you can request a copy through the National Archives website. It’s also a good idea to check for accuracy.

Understanding VA Claims

When you file a VA claim, you're asking for recognition and compensation for a disability that’s connected to your military service. This could be anything from hearing loss to PTSD to joint pain. You’ll need:

Medical evidence (VA or private doctor)
A connection to your service (an event, diagnosis, or exposure)
A current condition or ongoing symptoms

Federal vs. Non-Federal Records: What’s the Difference?

Federal Records

These are held by U.S. government agencies, and the VA is responsible for helping you obtain them once you provide the necessary details.

Examples of Federal records include:

Service Treatment Records
DD214 and Official Military Personnel File
VA medical records
Records from military or VA hospitals
Social Security Administration records

Non-federal Records

These come from private doctors, hospitals, therapists, or civilian care providers. The VA won’t collect them unless you specifically authorize it.

Examples on Non-Federal records include:

Civilian hospital and doctor records
Private mental health counseling notes
Physical therapy, chiropractic, or pharmacy records

Whether you're just getting started or you're stuck in the middle of the process, help is out there. Veteran Service Officers , accredited attorneys, and Vet-focused organizations can guide you. You’ve already served. Now it’s time to claim what you’ve earned.

References

Veterans may get 1 year of retroactive benefits with “fully developed claims.” (2013, August 9). www.army.mil. https://www.army.mil/article/109004/veterans_may_get_1_year_of_retroactive_benefits_with_fully_developed_claims

USC Gould School of Law. (2024, December 12). Veterans to see disability claims reinstated after federal court ruling | USC Gould School of Law. https://gould.usc.edu/news/veterans-to-see-disability-claims-reinstated-after-recent-court-ruling/

VA disability compensation | Veterans Affairs. (2024, November 15). Veterans Affairs. https://www.va.gov/disability

Check your VA claim, decision review, or appeal status | Veterans Affairs. (2024, December 13). Veterans Affairs. https://www.va.gov/claim-or-appeal-status/

Veterans Guardian. (2025, March 31). Home - Veterans Guardian - VA Claim Consulting. https://vetsguardian.com/