VA Form 3288, Request for and Consent to Release of Information from Individual's Records
VA Form 3288 is a written consent that tells VA exactly what information from your records it may release, and to whom, for example to an attorney, a lender, or a family member.
This is the genuine VA PDF, unmodified. Source: VA official page.
What is VA Form 3288?
Federal privacy law prevents VA from handing your records to third parties without your written authorization. Form 3288 provides that authorization: you name the person or organization to receive the information, describe the specific records or information to be released, and state the purpose. VA releases only what the consent covers.
It is a general-purpose release used across VA. For some situations a more specific form fits better: VA Form 21-4142 authorizes VA to collect your private medical records for a claim, VA Form 21-0845 authorizes VA to discuss your claim with a third party, and VA Form 20-10206 requests your own records under FOIA or the Privacy Act.
Who files VA Form 3288?
- Veterans authorizing release of claim, service, or benefit records to a third party
- Beneficiaries letting a lender, school, or housing office verify VA information
- Family members or caregivers who need records released to them with the veteran's consent
- Attorneys and representatives obtaining records with their client's written authorization
How to fill out VA Form 3288
- Fill in your name, file or Social Security number, and contact information.
- Name the person or organization the information should go to, with their address.
- Describe the specific information to release and the purpose; a narrow, precise description avoids over-disclosure.
- Sign and date the consent.
- Send it to the VA office or facility that holds the records, such as the regional office handling your claim or the health facility with your file.
Quick fill VA Form 3288 on this page
Prefer to see the form itself while you type? Open VA Form 3288 in the editor to fill it on the actual pages, add a signature, and download.
Frequently asked questions
How is VA Form 3288 different from VA Form 21-4142?
Form 3288 authorizes VA to release information it holds to someone you name. Form 21-4142 works the other direction: it lets VA request your records from private doctors and hospitals to support a claim.
Can I limit what VA releases?
Yes, and you should. The form asks you to describe the specific information to be released, so you can restrict it to particular records, date ranges, or topics. VA will not release more than the consent covers.
How do I get copies of my own VA records?
You do not need Form 3288 for that. Use VA Form 20-10206 to request your own records under FOIA or the Privacy Act, or download many documents directly from your va.gov account.