The Paper Trail: Service Records
Your service records are the foundation of your claim. Here's how to get them.
Last updated: April 21, 2026
The Paper Trail: Service Records
Your service records are the foundation of your claim. Here's how to get them.
Why Service Records Matter
Your service records are Pillar 2 of the Caluza Triangle—proof that something happened during your time in uniform.
Without these records, you have no evidence that your injury or condition is connected to your military service. The VA will not take your word for it. They need documentation.
⚠️ Real Talk: Empty STRs
If you were like most of us—popping Motrin and avoiding sick call—your STRs might not show the full picture. That's okay. You can still build a strong claim using buddy letters, lay statements, and nexus letters to bridge the gap.
The Four Essential Documents
1. DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge)
Your proof of service showing dates of service, discharge status, MOS, awards and decorations.
Why it matters: The VA uses this to verify you served and that your discharge status qualifies you for benefits.
2. Service Treatment Records (STRs)
Your medical records from your time in service including sick call visits, injuries documented during training or deployment, physical exams, prescriptions and treatments.
Why it matters: This is the smoking gun. If your injury or illness is documented in your STRs, it proves the in-service event happened.
3. Personnel Files (OMPF / 201 File)
Contains duty assignments, performance evaluations, awards and commendations, deployment orders.
Why it matters: This helps establish what you did and where you served. If you're claiming a condition related to deployment (e.g., burn pit exposure), your personnel file proves you were there.
4. Deployment Records
Shows where you deployed, dates of deployment, combat zones or hazardous duty locations.
Why it matters: Certain conditions are presumed service-connected if you deployed to specific locations (Agent Orange, burn pits, Camp Lejeune).
How to Request Your Service Records
Option 2: Standard Form 180 (Mail Request)
Go to siteMail the completed form to the National Archives address listed on the form.
Organization Tips
- •Scan everything and make digital copies (PDFs). Store them in a cloud service (Google Drive, Dropbox).
- •Highlight key evidence in your STRs—injuries, pain complaints, diagnoses, prescriptions.
- •Create a chronological timeline of key events with page references.
- •Don't assume the rater will connect the dots—make it easy for them.
Army Veteran. I went through the process myself from 10% to 100% P&T and built this site to share the roadmap with others.
Learn more about the project