As a Veteran, maintaining your military service records is essential; they not only offer a roadmap of your military career and health, they also act as an important tool to ensure you receive the benefits you’ve earned. But just like any paperwork, it can seem time-consuming or intimidating to try to figure out how to get a copy of your medical records and Official Military Personnel File (OMPF) — and to decide how and where to keep them safe.  

Take a look at some of the most commonly asked questions about OMPF, and their answers, below.       

What is an Official Military Personnel File (OMPF)? 

Your OMPF is an official administrative record that documents your military history and is maintained by the Department of War (DoW). It includes vital details of your military career, including everything from assignment stations and dates, promotions, and disciplinary actions to performance awards, training and certifications, and discharge paperwork. Once you leave the Armed Forces, this document verifies your service, not only by the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), but also by civilian employers. Your OMPF can also be used to determine whether you qualify for GI Bill Educational benefits, security clearances, or Veteran hiring preferences. 

Why do I need my military medical records? 

Your medical records are crucial to access your VA benefits, since they help inform the treatment or care you receive for any relevant, chronic health conditions. While the VA often uses military health records from the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC), they can only do so if you file with the VA directly. Often, it is generally recommended to use your OMPF if you work with a Veterans Service Organization (VSO) to ensure any claim you make is properly filed. Having your OMPF on hand will allow your representative to accurately pinpoint the connection between your diagnoses and your service, which can help you avoid the sometimes time-consuming process of gathering evidence. 

How will having my OMPF and medical records help my survivors? 

Your survivors will need access to your OMPF records when they apply for survivors’ benefits, including Dependency and Indemnity (DIC) compensation. Survivor Benefit Plan annuities and burial honors also require proof of your service. Letting your next of kin know where and how these documents are stored will help ensure the timely processing of survivor benefits. Our Survivor Benefits planning guide can help ensure you all know what to expect and how to manage your records and other information. 

How can I obtain copies of my records? 

There are a few different ways you or your survivors can secure your medical and personnel records.  

• OMPF: You can request your OMPF through the National Archives in writing by mail or fax, or online through eVetRecs. Ten days after you submit your request, you can check the status of your request online.  
• Military health records: While it’s recommended that you request a copy of your health records before you leave the service, you can request your entire health record through your Military Treatment Facility. Your military health records are stored as a Department of War (DoW) electronic health record. Once you make your request, you will receive the files electronically on a CD. 
• In the event of the servicemember’s passing: Your survivors will be able to access your records once they have official proof of the death, such as a death certificate or published obituary. The exact process for requesting an OMPF may vary based on the branch of service and the dates you served. Your survivors can visit the National Archives website for more detailed instructions.  

Where should I keep my OMPF and military medical records? 

For security and easy accessibility, it’s a good idea to store both your OMPF and military medical records in a safe place, such as a locked file cabinet. You can also store your records electronically using a secure document storage option, such as the Digital Vault, which is included in every Armed Forces Mutual Membership. No matter how you maintain them, make sure your survivors know where and how they can access your documents in the future.  

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