Developing the Record in VA Cases Kevin F. Foley, ALJ, Charlotte NC
Medical Records • VA Medical Records • Private Medical Records • C & P (Compensation and Pension) Exam Reports Probably at Regional VA office • DOD (Dept of Defense) Medical Records
Non-Medical Records and Papers • VA Rating Letters [Award Letters] - look for evidence considered; there maybe witness statements • Form DD-214 [Report of Separation] • Service Records - Official Military Personnel Files (OMPFs). Because the army calls its folder “Form 201,” a popular term for all military personnel folders is "the 201 file.“ • Histories of Conflicts – Textbooks, News Articles, Unit Histories
Where to Get Records? • Military medical records – From the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) for before 1992 or 1994, depending on branch Since then, the VA acts as the repository See form next page for NPRC, from www.archives.gov • Military Personnel Records – From the NPRC • Histories of Conflicts. Good place to start would by website of major command