I veterans case files document the veterans treatment by the Commonwealth government in the depression years following the war. They commonly illustrate the types of injury suffered by the veterans in World War I and may include references to gassing or to shell shock. Provided the veteran is dead, the files are generally suitable for release, although some information may be exempted to protect the privacy of a surviving spouse or other family members. When applying to the National Archives for access to these files, please specify the State in which the veteran is likely to have received DVA benefits or treatment. World War II and later veterans case files Because many World War II veterans, or their spouse or siblings, are still alive, DVA case files for World War II veterans or servicemen and women from later years are not suitable for general public release.
Access is available for the veteran or the family of the veteran as described below.
If you have any questions about your entitlement to see these case files, or if you have a special need to have access to the information they contain, speak to our reference staff or to officers of DVA who can explain the possible courses of action open to you. Access arrangements for World War II and later DVA case files If the veteran is still alive the National Archives will give access to World War II and later DVA case files only to the veteran. Veterans should also note that they have entitlements under the Freedom of Information Act as described below. If the veteran is dead, but his or her spouse is still alive, the National Archives will give access only to the spouse. If both the veteran and spouse are dead, other family members may be granted access to the files using an arrangement known as discretionary access.