How to Find Medical Records from the Gulf War

The majority of Gulf War veterans have retired from military service, but many of them are still living with health problems that were caused by their military service in the Middle East. Locating medical records from the Gulf War is important so that veterans can receive accurate information as well as correct diagnoses and treatment. The process of locating medical records and following news about potential health complications is usually left up to the individual and his family. Searching for and finding Gulf War medical records is a critical and sometimes complicated process.

Things You'll Need

• Dates of military service
• Proof of service

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Instructions

• 1

  Access the U.S. Department of Defense website. (See Resources.) The site contains valuable information about locating Gulf War medical records.

• 2

  Contact the National Personal Records Center. Call the Office of the Special Assistant at 800-497-6261 and request a search for medical records.

• 3

  Provide information on the veteran. Include his full name, rank, area of service, dates of service and Social Security number. The individual will need to fill out a request form and mail it to the National Personal Records Center. The center will send the medical records once it receives the signed form.

• 4

  Review the medical records. The U.S. Department of Defense website explains that veterans have two types of medical records, ones from specific hospitalizations and ones from their entire military career. It is important for the individual to determine which treatments, immunizations and drugs he received during the Gulf War.