Pulling your Service Treatment Records (STRs)

Your Service Treatment Records are the medical record of your active duty service — every sick call, every dental visit, every separation exam. They are the single most important documentary evidence for direct service connection. Get them early, get them complete, and review them before filing.

How to request STRs

• Online via milConnect using your DS Logon. Submit a Records Request.
• Through VA: When you file a claim, VA will request STRs for you, but this is slower and sometimes incomplete.
• By mail to the National Archives (NARA): For records from veterans who served more than 62 years ago.
• Through your VSO: Most VSOs can submit the Records Request on your behalf.

What to look for

• Sick call slips — even one mention of “back pain” or “knee pain” or “trouble sleeping” can support a direct service connection claim years later.
• Profile orders (DA Form 3349 for Army) — limited duty profiles document conditions in real time.
• Separation/retirement physical exams — what you reported, what was noted.
• Hearing tests and audiograms — used for hearing loss and tinnitus claims.
• Dental records — relevant for TMJ claims.
• Combat-related events / PRMC entries — for PTSD stressor verification.

Pro tip

If your STRs don’t document a condition you’re claiming directly, you can still win through the continuity of symptoms doctrine, the lay evidence doctrine, or buddy statements. STRs help — they aren’t required.

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