Recover Your
Service Treatment Records
Your STRs (Service Treatment Records) are the only proof that an injury happened in service. Without them, your VA claim is just a story. Here is the exact, click-by-click process to retrieve them from the National Archives.
Stop! Check Your Discharge Date.
The correct records custodian depends on service branch, discharge date, and record type. Use the current National Archives and VA instructions to choose a request method. If you are still in the pre-discharge window, pair the record pull with the VA BDD claim evidence checklist so service treatment records, SHA Part A, exams, and condition lists stay organized.
National Archives or records custodian
Use the official request tool to identify the custodian for the branch, service period, and record type.
Digital or VA-held records
Some records may be available through current military-health or VA records services. Availability varies; follow the official service's instructions.
No universal location chart
TYFYS has no verified percentage model for where a record is stored. Confirm the custodian through the current official request flow.
How to Use vetrecs.archives.gov
Follow these steps exactly to avoid a generic "No Record Found" letter.
Launch & Authenticate
Open the current National Archives military-records request page and follow the sign-in and identity-verification instructions shown there.
Document Selection (CRITICAL)
When asked what you want, do NOT just select "Military Personnel File". You must manually check:
- ☑ Inpatient Clinical Records
- ☑ Outpatient Medical Records
The "Comments" Section Hack
In the purpose or comments field, describe the specific service treatment, inpatient, outpatient, or personnel records you are requesting. There is no TYFYS-verified magic phrase or guaranteed search result.
Review & Submit
Verify your SSN and Service Number. A single digit error here will result in a lost request.
Do Not Ignore the Signature Page
Even if you submit online, the system often generates a PDF "Signature Verification" page at the end.
Follow the current signature instructions
The request service may require an electronic or paper signature. TYFYS has no verified success-rate statistic for either path; use the deadline and delivery instructions shown in the official confirmation.
If you see a "Signature Page" PDF:
- PRINT the page immediately.
- SIGN it with a pen (wet signature).
- Use the fax, mail, or electronic method and deadline printed on the current confirmation.
Missing a stated signature or delivery deadline can interrupt the request. Keep a copy and proof of delivery.
The ID.me Exception
If you successfully verified with ID.me at the start, you might skip the paper signature. However, if the system asks for it, do not assume ID.me was enough. Send the paper.
Related next steps
Official references