VA Compensation and Pension (C&P) Exams
Your TRICARE (TOL) records will be online until October 2024. If you don’t download them before then, you will not be able to get that information again.
Go to the bottom of this page, under the heading ‘Where can I download my MILITARY medical records from?’ and download them today!
Why do I need to get my medical records for the C&P exams?
Your C&P examiner needs all the details to make the best determination possible. All of your medical records are critical for you to have for your C&P exams because the contracted company for your C&P exam will have exactly whatever the VA provided them (what was requested when you submitted your VA claim), which means the C&P examiner could have some, all, or completely different information than what you can get. Get your MILITARY and CIVILIAN medical records.
Do I need all my records for my C&P exams?
My C&P examiner recommended that every person have all those medical records for every exam with the VA. C&P examiners (even in the same company) aren't obligated to alert other examiners about results from previous exams. You must tell your story multiple times, so have all your documentation to make the best case possible. Also, ensure you have this in a format you can email or share (at your own risk) with the C&P provider. Most can't accept thumb drives/USB drives or CD/DVD drives.
Civilian medical records - what are those, and where do I get them?
If you have gone to any off-base (civilian) appointments, request those records - request complete records that include charts, diagrams, labs, and detailed notes. If you ask for a 'copy' of your medical records from civilian providers, you will often just get a summary, which will not support your claim. You will have to ask them how long it will take to get to you.
Where do I request my MILITARY medical records from?
Nearest Military Hospital
When should I request my MILITARY medical records?
At least 60 days for any situation.
As soon as possible if you are starting IDES.
What should I tell them when I request my MILITARY medical records?
Let them know it is for the Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES), known as MedBoard, retirement, ETS, or whatever the circumstance is.
What should I request for my MILITARY medical records?
Your complete medical record from the day you joined the military service, including any previous service obligations. *If you request your Mental Health/Behavioral Health records, you will most likely not receive them, and it could delay you getting the rest of your medical records. The C&P examiner for your telehealth examination should be able to see your mental/behavioral health records if you can't get them. It is vital that you get all your other records and have them for your future C&P exams. You may want to exclude mental/behavioral health records from your request because it could delay you getting your other medical records.
How will I receive my MILITARY medical records - on paper (hardcopy), a CD/DVD (digital copy), or email?
It depends on that medical record's operations and could vary from location to location.
Paper: most places have gone digital, and you won't receive a paper copy; you'll have to print it out if you need a paper copy.
CD/DVD: This may be available, but most C&P examiners do not have a CD/DVD on their computer, so you won't get them the information unless you have uploaded it to a place where you can email it or share the file (at your own risk).
Email: This could be the best way, but you may only have a 72-hour window to download them; the only notification will be via email. Monitor your email (including SPAM and JUNK folders) so you don't miss it.
How long will it take to receive my MILITARY medical records?
Expect it to take 30-60 days.
Should I still download my MILITARY medical records even if I requested them from my local military hospital?
YES, YES, and YES. Your medical records were on Tricare Online (TOL) before implementing MHS Genesis. MHS Genesis is still not fully integrated with TOL as of October 2023, which means your medical records haven't fully transferred from one to the other. It also means there may be additional things in either of these online systems that don't appear in the medical records you requested from the military hospital. Have these available for your C&P exam.
Where can I download my MILITARY medical records from?
MHS Genesis (Requires CAC or DS LOGON): https://my.mhsgenesis.health.mil/
TRICARE Online (TOL) (Requires CAC or DS LOGON): https://www.tricareonline.com/tol2/prelogin/desktopIndex.xhtml
More information about medical records in Tricare and MHS Genesis: https://www.tricare.mil/GettingCare/PatientResources/GoPaperless/PersonalHealthInfo
Create a DS LOGON Account: https://www.dmdc.osd.mil/identitymanagement/app/registration