How to Read Your Own Medical Records

Every veteran should read every page of their own service medical records (STRs) and any VA/civilian records available on MyHealtheVet. What to look for: - Complaints in sick call notes: even a single 'reported knee pain' entry from 2007 can anchor a claim today. - Diagnoses (formal and provisional): tinnitus, sleep issues, headaches, back pain, the VA looks for any documented complaint in service. - Exposure records: burn pit registries, Agent Orange, radiation, Camp Lejeune water, deployment locations. - 'Rule outs' and referrals, these often reveal chronic issues that were never followed up. - Any mental health touch point, even 'combat stress' checkboxes count. Organize your findings chronologically. Note the page, date, and what it says.