How can veterans obtain copies of their military medical records?

Veterans can obtain copies of their military medical records by submitting a request through the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC). The NPRC is the designated repository for the military records of former service members, making it the authoritative source for accessing these records. When a veteran submits a request to the NPRC, they must provide specific details that can help locate their records, such as service dates, branch of service, and personal information. This formal process ensures that requests are handled efficiently, and that records are accurate and up to date.

Other options may not be as effective for obtaining medical records. While local VA offices can assist with various veteran services, they do not hold the official military medical records; these must be obtained through the NPRC. Visiting a last duty station could potentially provide some information, but the official records are archived at the NPRC, not held at the duty station. Calling the Pentagon may lead to general inquiries or information, but it is not the proper channel for requesting individual medical records. Therefore, the most direct and reliable method for veterans to access their military medical records is indeed through the request process established with the NPRC.