When you receive your OMPF, copy the DA Form 20 and send CRUR the Copy only. Be sure to retain the original in a safe place where you can easily find it later. Include as much information about your unit's whereabouts, the stressor(s) that you suspect has caused your problem(s), names, and anything else you can think of. It's better to have more information than you need than not enough.

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Tip

I cannot stress enough the need to provide CRUR with as much detail as possible, such as dates, your unit(s), names of casualties, etc It should take about three to six months to get an answer (why I have no idea), but CRUR will address all of your stressors whereas the VARO usually answers only one major stressor (this is all they require). Once you get the answer, you can then go to the VA with the information provided by CRUR as well as your OMPF. Again, always retain the original(s) for your records while giving out the copy.

If you were injured or wounded, you should write to NPRC for your OMPF and specifically ask for your CLINICAL RECORDS. Include in your request a chronology of medical facilities you were sent to, your social security number, service number, dates of service, and any other pertinent information. Follow this clinical paragraph to the letter. If you received shrapnel, then you would have had to have it removed and therefore, there would be the outpatient or inpatient records in your clinical records.

The OMPF has medical records but they are not the same. When you request your clinical records, you must provide your full name, SSN, service number, the approximate dates you were treated, the name of the medical facility (i.e. NAVAL HOSPITAL, DANANG, U.S. ARMY HOSPITAL SAIGON, USS RESPOSE, ETC) where you were treated at.

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