What types of records can be considered primary evidence for VA claims?

Service records and VA medical records are considered primary evidence for VA claims because they provide direct and official documentation of a veteran's military service and any associated medical treatment received through the VA. These records are authoritative and carry significant weight in establishing the facts of a veteran's service, including dates of service, duties performed, and any conditions linked directly to that service.

Service records typically include documents such as discharge papers, performance evaluations, and any disciplinary actions that occurred during a veteran's time in service. Likewise, VA medical records contain information about the medical care a veteran has received, including diagnoses, treatment plans, and any ongoing health issues that are potentially connected to military service.

The other options may provide supplementary information but do not have the same level of official recognition or reliability. For example, private emails may not be verifiable and can be subjective. Family testimonies, while potentially influential, rely on personal recollections that could be biased or incomplete. Local news articles can create context or background but do not provide definitive evidence regarding an individual veteran’s service or medical history. Therefore, they lack the foundation needed to serve as primary evidence in claims submitted to the VA.