Hello Jim,
I’m a 100% P & T Veteran. How do I get all of my medical records from the VAMC. I’ve been having many problems – not getting my pain meds on time and right now I’m not getting a Doctor as of yet. It was changed three times 4/22/2013. I did make a request under the FOIA and they did not give me my CPRS / VISTA records?
I think they have Flagged me also? As of now they did not give me any refills on my pain meds that I’ve been on since January 1976 / USAF and I’ll be out by May 26, 2013.
Reply:
Getting your medical records shouldn't require FOIA. All you need to do is to go to the VA facility nearest you and talk to the "Release of Information" (ROI) offices. Tell them you want your records and they will print them for you. They may try to delay you and tell you that they will mail them and so on but if you're courteous and persistent, you'll get the records.
Flagged? Why would you have been flagged? If you have made some trouble and gotten flagged, you have a problem. Have you caused a scene there? You may have a "flag" noted in your record if you have been disruptive or threatening towards VA staff. You have the right to know if your records have been flagged and you may ask that the flag be removed. The VA should respond to you within a reasonable time.
If you have any problems, speak with a patient advocate.
Veterans have the right to copies of their medical records. This doesn't apply to mental health records. To get mental health records you must have permission of the department head.