Is your VA switching health record systems?

What happened

On October 24, 2026, VA launched the Federal Electronic Health Record (EHR) at the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center and the Alaska VA Healthcare System in Anchorage, plus 16 standalone clinics in Ohio and Alaska. VA says that completes 13 hospitals in 2026, and it plans 26 more medical centers in 2027, starting in January with Milwaukee, Tomah, and Madison (Wisconsin) and Iron Mountain (Michigan). VA's goal is every facility by 2031.

Later 2027 sites on VA's schedule include Illinois, the Dakotas, Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, Washington, Idaho, Oregon (Portland), and Missouri. Check VA's schedule for your facility.

Why it matters for your claim

Your VA treatment notes are evidence. Before your facility switches, save your own copy so nothing you need is hard to find during the transition.

If your VA is on the 2027 list

• Download your records through My HealtheVet on VA.gov before go-live, and keep them somewhere safe.
• Refill prescriptions and book appointments early. For the Alaska launch, VA warned of possible disruptions to refills and scheduling from about 10 days before until about 6 days after go-live. For Cleveland and Alaska, online scheduling paused weeks ahead (Sept. 23 to Dec. 8) — your facility will post its own dates.
• Update your VA.gov profile (phone, address, email) so your care team can reach you if an appointment is rescheduled.
• You can still call your care team or pharmacy during the transition.

Already covered here: why your VA doctor's notes are evidence and getting private records into your claim.

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