For numerous reasons, veterans like most patients, want to have a copy of their medical records. Now a new service of My HealtheVet will allow veteran patients to download their VA medical records including appointment notes and inpatient stays.

Using the Blue Button feature of My Healthevet, you can view, download and print VA medical records without visiting a VA facility and completing an information request. You can review these records at any time to keep track of your health information. If you like, you can also share this information with others such as family members and healthcare providers outside of the VA system.

The new records include VA progress notes which are the notes that are made by the physician. These notes from 2013 appointments and hospital visits are currently online. Older records are to be added in the future. Additionally you can also access EKG reports and lab results.

To utilize this service you must sign up for My HealtheVet at www.myhealth.va.gov. You will need to complete a one-time authorization of your account at a VA facility for security purposes. While you are completing this authorization you can also sign up for secure messaging which allows you to communicate with your VA health care team online for additional convenience.