VA Blue Button: Your Health Records

VA Blue Button gives you access to your VA health records. Learn how to download, understand, and use these records to support your disability claims.

What is VA Blue Button?

Blue Button is a feature on VA.gov that lets you download your complete VA health records. These records can be valuable evidence for disability claims, especially when documenting ongoing treatment and the current severity of your conditions.

How to Access Blue Button

  1. Go to VA.gov/my-health/medical-records
  2. Sign in with Login.gov, ID.me, DS Logon, or My HealtheVet (Premium)
  3. Navigate to "Download Medical Records (Blue Button)"
  4. Select the date range and types of records you want
  5. Generate and download your report

Note About C&P Exams

If your C&P exam was conducted at a VA facility, the examiner's report becomes available through Blue Button 30 days after the report is finalized.

C&P exams by contractors (QTC, VES, etc.) are NOT available through Blue Button—you'll need to request your C-file for those.

What's Included in Blue Button Records

Health Summary

  • Active health concerns and conditions
  • Current medications
  • Allergies
  • Immunizations

Clinical Notes

  • Visit summaries and progress notes
  • Consultation reports
  • Discharge summaries
  • Procedure notes

Lab and Test Results

  • Blood work results
  • Urinalysis
  • Radiology reports (X-rays, MRIs, CT scans)
  • EKG/ECG results
  • Pathology reports

Other Records

  • Problem list (diagnosed conditions)
  • Vital signs history
  • Appointment history
  • Wellness reminders

Using Blue Button Records for Claims

Documenting Current Treatment

Blue Button records show you're actively being treated for conditions, which supports ongoing disability claims and increase requests.

Showing Severity and Frequency

Records documenting:

  • Frequency of appointments for a condition
  • Medication changes
  • Worsening symptoms over time
  • Flare-ups requiring emergency or urgent care

Supporting Secondary Claims

If your records show a doctor noting that one condition is related to another, this can support a secondary service connection claim.

Obtaining Missing Diagnoses

Your problem list and clinical notes may contain diagnoses you weren't aware of, which could be claimable.

Do You Need to Submit VA Records?

Generally, no. VA's Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) can access your VA health records directly. However, there are situations where submitting specific records can help:

  • Highlighting specific entries: If a particular note is crucial, submit it with explanation
  • Recent records: Records from the past few days may not be in VBA's system yet
  • Community Care records: Outside providers may not always send records back to VA

Community Care Records

If you receive care through VA's Community Care program (outside providers authorized by VA), those records may or may not be sent back to your VA file. It's a good idea to:

  • Request copies directly from the provider
  • Submit them yourself, or
  • Give VA authorization to request them (VA Form 21-4142)

Vet Center Records

Records from Vet Centers (readjustment counseling) are kept separate from your regular VA health records. VBA cannot access them without your specific authorization.

If you want VBA to consider Vet Center records, you must submit a release form specifically authorizing access.

Other Ways to Get Your Records

Request Your C-File

Your claims file (C-file) contains all evidence VA has collected for your claims, including:

  • C&P examination reports
  • Service treatment records
  • Rating decision narratives
  • All submitted evidence

Request via FOIA or Privacy Act request.

Request Your Code Sheet

Your code sheet shows all your rated conditions, their diagnostic codes, and whether they're static or subject to re-examination.

MHS GENESIS for Active Duty and Recent Veterans

If you separated recently (after April 2025 for most), your service treatment records may be in the MHS GENESIS Patient Portal.

Active duty servicemembers who filed BDD claims may also find C&P examiner reports there.

VA Mobile Apps

Access your health records on the go:

  • VA: Health and Benefits app – Access health records, appointments, and benefits information
  • My HealtheVet – Manage prescriptions, messaging, and health records

Find all VA mobile apps at VA Mobile App Store.

Tips for Using Health Records

  • Review before exams: Know what's in your records before your C&P exam
  • Look for patterns: Frequent visits for a condition support claims of severity
  • Note provider statements: If a provider documented a connection between conditions, that's evidence
  • Check medication history: Changes in medication can show worsening conditions
  • Don't alter records: Never modify medical records—it's fraud

Official VA Resources

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