Preserve ALL Medical History for Military Families

Because hospitals, health practitioners, doctors/facilities, only keep patient files for 8 - 10 years they are gone for good after that time. The military, on many occasions, after concluding they were in part responsible for some illnesses to the veteran and family, wish to compensate for damages. Example: Atomic Vet - military who participated in occupation of Japan right after bomb was dropped. V-Vet - military exposed to Agent Orange, et al, in Viet Nam. The Veterans Administration asks the families for medical proof when filing a claim. By the time a claim is filed, records have been destroyed. My father in law was an A-Vet who passed in 1990, did not go to VA Hosp since he had no reason to say his cancer was caused from his participation in Japan in 45-46. The military did not release this information until 1996. My father, a V-Vet, fought in Korean War as well as Viet Nam, passed in 1973, 4 year after a 20 year career. He was subjected to Agent Orange and also spent 5 years in Japan.

Because it is always after the fact, and years later, I believe the medical records for the Vet as well as their families since exposure may be passed to future generations, should be preserved.